Three leading sports organisations Northampton Saints Foundation, Northampton Town Community Trust and the Steelbacks Foundation have joined forces with Northamptonshire Sport to launch Team-Mates, an initiative aimed at improving men’s mental health through sports and support sessions.
Launched in February, Team-Mates is designed to aid men experiencing mental health struggles, social isolation, or at risk of suicide. The programme combines walking sports with mental health support sessions to provide an accessible and engaging form of early intervention. The initiative is structured around three core components:
Weekly walking sports – held at each club venue, offering an inclusive, slower-paced version of rugby, football or cricket.
Monthly mental health support sessions – raising awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health in men.
Volunteer training – equipping club volunteers with mental health training to extend support across the sports community.
A new approach to mental wellbeing through sport
The walking sports sessions are open to all, regardless of skill level. These sessions encourage physical activity while fostering social connections. Each one-hour session will focus on a different sport, followed by time for refreshments and informal conversations.
Mental health education and support sessions are held at the same venues, including cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens (Northampton Saints RFC), The County Ground (Steelbacks), and Sixfields Stadium (Northampton Town FC). These sessions aim to break down barriers to mental health discussions and provide practical support.
Jordan Letts, CEO of Northampton Saints Foundation, emphasised the importance of the initiative: “One in four people in the UK will experience mental health struggles, yet many, especially men, hesitate to seek help. Research shows that one in five rugby players would not confide in anyone about their mental health issues. Even high-profile athletes like Jonny Wilkinson have battled anxiety and depression. Rugby fosters camaraderie, and Team-Mates aims to extend that supportive team ethos beyond the field.”
Phillip Smith, CEO of Northampton Town FC Community Trust, echoed the sentiment: “Football clubs have a unique ability to engage and educate fans about mental health. Through this collaboration, we want to make real change from the grassroots up. By partnering with Northampton Saints and the Steelbacks, we can reach a wider audience and help more men seek support.”
Patricia Hankins, Community and Partnerships Manager at the Steelbacks Foundation, highlighted the role of cricket: “Cricket is more than just a game it’s a social prescription for mental health and physical wellbeing. It brings people together, fostering community and reducing loneliness, key factors in maintaining good mental health.”
A collaborative effort for community wellbeing
Jackie Browne, Strategic Director at Northamptonshire Sport, is coordinating the project and emphasised the impact of the partnership. She said: “By leveraging the influence of our professional clubs, Team-Mates offers a new approach to supporting men’s mental health through sport. This initiative creates safe spaces for conversations and ensures men feel supported in both physical and mental wellbeing.”
The Team-Mates initiative is funded by West Northamptonshire Council as part of its commitment to mental health and wellbeing. Working alongside the NHS and community organisations, the council aims to enhance local services and provide meaningful support to residents.
For more information about Team-Mates, contact info@northamptonshiresport.org
Find out more about Northampton Saints Foundation on their website.
