WE ARE PLEDGING TO IMPROVE THE MENTAL WELLNESS OF YOUNG PEOPLE BY GIVING OVER 700 GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL TEAMS ACCESS TO A WELLNESS CHAMPION

Young people should not face mental health problems alone. This is why we are committed to helping recruit, train and support over 90 Wellness Champions who will be embedded into every junior football club in the county.

The role of the Wellness Champion is to champion positive mental health in young people, support a culture of listening to young people and promote a positive club culture where young people thrive.

Underpinned by training from Inspire Ignite and support from KOOTH the Wellness Champions will also be able to spot signs of poor mental health in young people and provide support through signposting to appropriate services.

The programme which was initially piloted through the regions Community and Development FA Charter Standard accredited clubs is now open to every affiliated youth club in our county.

East Riding FA CEO Adam Lowthorpe said; "East Riding FA is committed to the safeguarding and wellness of every young person who plays grassroots football in our county. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the the unique challenges that many of our young people are under and we want to help ensure that when grassroots football returns they are supported through our fantastic network of grassroots football clubs."

To help clubs appoint a suitable Wellness Champion we have created a number of useful documents (please see the bottom of the page) which will guide clubs through the recruitment process. There is also more detailed information on what the position entails including roles and responsibilities. The Wellness Champion will have an official role at your club so an in date and accepted FA DBS check is essential.

The position is separate to the Club Welfare Officer role and we urge clubs to appoint someone who doesn't already have a place on the clubs committee although the role may be combined if required. 

Our mission to recruit, train and support over 90 Wellness Champions is being endorsed by the East Ridings three junior football / futsal leagues with the Hull and District Youth Football League, East Riding Girls Youth League and East Riding Futsal League all pledging their support. 

Hull and District Youth Football League Secretary Keith Pinder said; "The HDYFL is pleased to be supporting the Wellness Champion Campaign. Young people suffer during normal times, but under the current circumstances, young people need to be listened to even more, and this campaign will provide the platform for this to happen and with over 6000 players in the League, having Wellness Champions at each Club, will mean there is a friendly face for young people to approach.”

Liz Shipp, East Riding Girls League Secretary added; "We are delighted to be supporting this initiative and we look forward to our young people having greater access to help and support."

Whilst East Riding Futsal League Chairman Danny Clarke said; "The East Riding Futsal League will be fully supporting the new Wellness Champion campaign. We believe by adding this to our 'Positivity' and 'Discrimination' campaigns we will be creating an environment where participants are not only learning to become better players, but also better people".

Please note clubs are not obliged to appoint a Wellness Champion and the position is not mandatory.

For more information about the Wellness Champion campaign and to find our more about how to appoint a Wellness Champion at your club then please contact Clubs and Participation Development Officer Chris.johnson@eastridingfa.com.