Leading sports organizations, including the Premier League, will join forces to enhance men’s mental well-being. In an initiative spearheaded by the government, a week-long campaign named Team Up will address the issue of male loneliness, promote social connections, and raise awareness about men’s mental health. Statistics reveal that in England, one in four boys and young men aged 11-16 experience feelings of loneliness, with suicide being a significant cause of death in men under 50.
Scheduled to take place from January 26 to February 1, 2026, across the UK, Team Up aims to provide positive spaces for young men to prevent isolation, enhance mental health, and shield them from negative online influences. The Premier League, EFL, Rugby Football Union, England & Wales Cricket Board, and Movember are anticipated to extend their support to this campaign. The government urges elite clubs, grassroots teams, professional athletes, amateurs, and supporters to participate in this initiative.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy emphasized the importance of addressing the struggles faced by many boys and young men in the country. She highlighted the lack of appropriate support systems and the risks of being exposed to harmful online content that reinforces negative ideals of masculinity. Nandy stressed the transformative power of sports in fostering positive connections, camaraderie, and self-confidence among young men. 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 refurbished youth facilities. Tracy Herd, Director of Men’s Health (Europe) at Movember, expressed enthusiasm for supporting Team Up Week and collaborating with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) and sports partners to underscore the role of physical activity in bolstering young men’s mental well-being.