A few months ago, I was approached by Jonny Wilson, a member of the Estates and Facilities team at Leeds Trinity University, who asked if The Chaplaincy would support a charity football match to raise funds and awareness for Andy’s Man Club — a charitable organisation set up to support men’s mental health.

Of course, The Chaplaincy jumped at the chance. Andy’s Man Club is an amazing initiative which started here in Yorkshire and now reaches people across the country. The club has created a safe, non-judgemental space for men to gather and express the struggles and trials they may be facing.

We were only too happy to help organise the match, which took place during Mental Health Awareness Week (Monday 13 and Sunday 19 May). This year’s theme of ‘moving for your mental health’ made it particularly fitting to play a football match given the health benefits of physical activity such as decreased feelings of anxiety, increased cardiovascular health and overall fitness.

It was heartwarming to see colleagues from across the University work together to put plans in place. Charles Isherwood from Student Recruitment is a qualified referee and offered to officiate for us, Aramark (a catering company) provided water, tea and coffee, the Porters were on the sideline as first aiders, our Trinity Sport team provided the bibs and footballs, and we had colleagues from a wide range of departments willing to pull on their boots to take on a student team. It’s this collective and collaborative effort that makes the Leeds Trinity community amazing and quite remarkable. We’re a small university, but we have a big heart.

Everyone was aware that the match was for charity, making for a pleasant atmosphere in a game featuring players with a mix of abilities. Charles even let the staff team have 12 players, but it was to no avail as the students ran out comfortable 7-2 winners. In the staff team’s defence, they suffered two injuries within the first ten minutes, and in most cases were around 15-20 years older than the students on average. That’s got to count for something!

Following the match, the players and the spectators gathered on the pitch for a minute’s silence to remember why we were playing, and for all those who have used or are using Andy’s Man Club as they battle to overcome their mental health challenges.

Football is a team sport, and players depend on relationships with teammates to achieve success or come through difficult times. This mirrors the ethos in support groups, where you look to your peers for guidance and support regarding personal challenges. As well as raising awareness of Andy’s Man Club, our goal with this game was to get people talking and create new bonds, so I am absolutely delighted to hear that colleagues and students who were practically strangers beforehand have since stopped to chat in the canteen at our Main Campus in Horsforth.

I really hope that the huge amount of support this fundraising effort received helps play a part in breaking the stigma associated with seeking help for mental health issues. Seeing people come together for this great cause proves that people care and will hopefully inspire others to seek the support they need. Indeed, if you’re a man struggling with mental health issues, Andy’s Man Club could be for you.

Danielle Roman is Chaplaincy Administrator at Leeds Trinity University.

To donate to Andy’s Man Club, visit Leeds Trinity University’s fundraising page.