Leading sports organizations, including the Premier League, are joining forces to enhance the mental well-being of men. In a new initiative spearheaded by the Government, a week-long campaign called Team Up is set to address the issue of male loneliness, promote social connections, and raise awareness about men’s mental health. Statistics show that in England, one in four boys and young men aged 11-16 experience feelings of loneliness, with suicide ranking among the top causes of death in men below 50.
Scheduled to run from January 26 to February 1, 2026, across the UK, Team Up aims to create positive environments for young men to prevent isolation, mental health issues, and negative online influences. The Premier League, EFL, Rugby Football Union, England & Wales Cricket Board, and Movember are all expected to lend their support to this campaign. The Government is urging various entities, from elite clubs to grassroots teams, professional athletes, amateurs, and fans, to participate.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy expressed concern over the struggles faced by many boys and young men in the country, emphasizing the lack of suitable support systems and the risks associated with negative online content. She highlighted the transformative power of sports in fostering real-life connections, camaraderie, confidence, and self-assurance. The ‘Team Up’ campaign aims to convey the message that everyone deserves a supportive team to navigate life’s challenges.
As part of the National Youth Strategy, the Government is investing £500 million to establish up to 250 new or renovated youth facilities. Tracy Herd, Director of Men’s Health (Europe) at Movember, expressed enthusiasm for supporting Team Up Week and collaborating with the DCMS and sports partners to emphasize the role of physical activity in bolstering young men’s mental health.