In a league
of their own
A 6-a-side team's focus on the importance of mental health
Graduating from university is sometimes said to be the best day of our lives.
But for a lot of men, it’s where things quietly change.
You go from seeing your friends every day, to never seeing them at all.
People move away, start new jobs, work on different schedules. And without meaning to, relationships drift apart.
You may get on with life, but that missing feeling remains.
That’s where 6-a-side football comes into play.
It gives men a simple, no-pressure way to reconnect.
No awkward catchups, no deep conversations – just a message rallying the team for their weekly kick about.
Before you know it, you’re laughing again, making digs at one another, and feeling the team spirit that sports rewards you.
For Billy Greenwood, it's an opportunity to see his mates every week.
In 2022, Norwich City Football Club released one of the most influential videos that encouraged an increased awareness of men's mental health surrounding the beautiful game.
The video, titled 'Check in on those around you', reached 2.6 million views and is a trending video under the hashtag #WorldMentalHealthDay and #youarenotalone.
This mini-film portrayed two Norwich supporters: one remained seemingly unhappy and down throughout different viewings of Norwich's fixtures, while his friend demonstrated emotions of ecstasy, wide smiles, and a bouncing support for his team.
"At times, it can be obvious when someone is struggling to cope."
The video then shows the man, who seemed unhappy, place a Norwich scarf in the seat his friend once cheered in.
"But sometimes, the signs are harder to spot."
The video implies that depression is deceiving. It urges everyone to check in on their friends - the emotion they display in public may not be same feeling behind closed doors.
The positive impact of the game
For Bournemouth 6-a-side team Spaghetti Ballognaise, it’s a release of stress, pressure, and all the hardships that adult life can bestow.
All those obstacles stay off the pitch for an hour.
It gives people a routine, a new sense of beginning; a space where talking and laughing and simply being yourself feels much easier.
The mix of movement, friend, and competition lifts their mood, boosts self-confidence, and acts as a strong reminder that no one is truly ever alone.
Sometimes, an hour of football helps a lot more than we truly realise.
For a lot of people, football is their strongest form of communication. By checking in, players can clear their heads and talk.
That weekly hour can become a reset from work stress, financial issues, worries, and the general pressure of adult life.
It also offers structure in a world where routines feel fixed. It’s something to look forward to, to commit to. And there are always people who notice if you don’t turn up.
In a stage of life where people often struggle quietly and avoid asking for help, having such a regular connection really does matter.
Billy says, “It’s good. It’s fun to see all the boys and have a kick about. Even a beer afterwards. It’s really fun and enjoyable."
6-a-side isn’t just about the goals or the game itself. It’s about reconnection with social life and reminding yourself that you are not venturing through life alone.
If you, or anyone you know, is struggling with their mental health, do not be afraid to ask for a conversation.
It will make more of a difference than you'll ever know.
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