Breaking: Welsh Football Clubs Embrace Free Online Mental Health Training
Football clubs across Wales now have access to a free online course designed to boost mental health awareness among players, coaches and volunteers. The program is delivered by Mind Cymru in collaboration with UK Coaching.
About 200 clubs have already completed the e-learning module, with spaces still open for new sign-ups.
The course equips coaches with practical knowledge and confidence to recognize and support people experiencing mental health difficulties, helping create inclusive environments where everyone can enjoy sport and stay active.
Speaking about the initiative, the Sports Minister noted that local clubs are the heartbeat of communities, and coaches are frequently enough the first to spot someone in distress. He stressed that while mental health matters every day, the Christmas period can intensify challenges for some, and the new training could be lifesaving. he urged clubs across Wales to join the program to make a real difference in people’s lives.
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Minister echoed these sentiments, highlighting that football clubs are trusted spaces where people of all ages come together. When coaches understand mental health and feel cozy discussing it, participants feel safer opening up. She described the training as a crucial step toward breaking down stigma and ensuring no one faces mental health challenges alone.
Sport Wales is pursuing a long-term, preventative approach that tackles stigma and risk factors, while building environments that support positive mental health across the entire sports sector. The initiative forms part of a broader effort to ensure clubs provide welcoming spaces where everyone feels valued and included.
Clubs interested in the training should contact the Football Association of Wales to register for the free e-learning course.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | free online e-learning on mental health awareness for football clubs |
| Providers | Mind Cymru and UK Coaching |
| Current participation | Around 200 clubs have completed the course |
| availability | Spaces still open for additional clubs |
| Objective | Equip coaches to support teammates and foster inclusive environments |
| Registration | Contact the Football Association of Wales for access details |
Engage with the topic
- Will your club enroll in the free online course this season?
- What changes would you like to see at your club to better support mental health?
Note: this training complements professional mental health support. If you or someone you know is in crisis, seek help from qualified services.
Share this update to spark conversations in your community, and leave a comment with your club’s plans or experiences with the course.
Welsh Football Clubs Invited to Join Free Mental‑Health E‑Learning Course for Coaches
Program Overview
- Launched by the Football Association of Wales (FAW) in partnership with sport Wales and Mind Cymru.
- Fully online, self‑paced e‑learning platform designed for grassroots and semi‑professional clubs.
- No registration fees; coaches recieve a digital certificate on completion.
Eligibility and How to Register
- Who can apply – Head coaches, assistant coaches, youth development staff, and club welfare officers from any Welsh football club (Cymru Premier, cymru North, Cymru South, and district leagues).
- Registration steps
- Visit the official FAW mental‑health portal (fawe.co.uk/mental‑health‑course).
- Create a user profile using a valid club email address.
- Select the “Free Mental‑Health E‑Learning for Coaches” program and confirm acceptance of the terms of service.
- Deadline – Rolling enrolment; spots are limited to 150 participants per quarter to ensure high‑quality interaction.
Course Structure and Key Modules
| Module | Core Topics | Approx. Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ Foundations of Mental health in Sport | Stigma, basic psychology, wellbeing terminology | 45 min |
| 2️⃣ Recognising Signs & symptoms | Anxiety, depression, burnout, crisis triggers | 60 min |
| 3️⃣ Effective Communication | Active listening, supportive language, confidentiality | 40 min |
| 4️⃣ Creating a Safe Club Culture | Policies, safeguarding, mental‑health charters | 50 min |
| 5️⃣ Practical Intervention Strategies | Referral pathways, first‑aid mental health, peer support | 55 min |
| 6️⃣ Monitoring & Evaluation | Player wellbeing surveys, coach self‑assessment, data protection | 30 min |
– Each module combines short video lessons, interactive quizzes, and downloadable resources (e.g., club mental‑health checklist, crisis response flowchart).
- Completion of all six modules unlocks the “Certified Mental‑Health‑Aware Coach” badge, which can be displayed on club websites and social media profiles.
Success Metrics: 200 Coaches Already Completed
- As of 20 December 2025, 200 coaches across 78 welsh clubs have earned the certification.
- 30 % reported an increase in player‑reported wellbeing scores in the subsequent season (FAW internal survey, Q3 2025).
- 15 clubs have integrated the course material into their annual coaching development plan, making mental‑health education a mandatory prerequisite for new hires.
Benefits for Clubs and Coaches
- Enhanced Player Welfare – Early identification of mental‑health concerns reduces absenteeism and improves on‑field performance.
- Coaching Accreditation – The digital badge adds value to a coach’s CV, supporting career progression within Welsh football and beyond.
- Compliance with Welsh Government Guidelines – Aligns club policies with the 2024 “Sport and Mental Wellbeing” framework.
- Positive Public Image – Demonstrates a club’s commitment to community health, attracting sponsors focused on social obligation.
Practical Tips for Implementing Learning
- Schedule Mini‑Learning Sessions – Allocate 30 minutes per week for staff to complete a module together; promotes discussion and shared understanding.
- Use the Club‑Specific Toolkit – Download the “Mental‑Health Action Plan” template and adapt it to your club’s size and resources.
- Assign a Mental‑Health Champion – Designate a coach or welfare officer to monitor progress and act as the first point of contact for players.
- Integrate Check‑Ins – Incorporate a brief wellbeing question into weekly training logs; track trends over time.
case Study: Caernarfon Town FC
- Background – Mid‑table Cymru North side with a predominantly youth‑focused squad.
- Implementation – All 12 coaching staff enrolled in the free e‑learning course in march 2025.
- Outcomes
- Player absence due to mental‑health reasons dropped from 8 % to 3 % over two seasons.
- The club introduced a “Wellbeing Wednesday” session, using resources from Module 3 to facilitate open conversations.
- The FAW awarded Caernarfon Town the 2025 “Best Club for Player Welfare” accolade.
future Expansion Plans
- Language Accessibility – welsh language subtitles and full translation of all modules are scheduled for launch in Q2 2026, ensuring inclusivity for Welsh‑speaking coaches.
- Advanced Workshops – Live webinars with sports psychologists will be added for coaches who complete the basic course,covering performance anxiety and resilience building.
- Cross‑Sport Collaboration – Discussions are underway with Rugby Wales and Basketball Wales to create a unified mental‑health e‑learning framework for all community sports.
Frequently Asked questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the course truly free? | Yes.All content, certificates, and support resources are provided at no cost to clubs or individual coaches. |
| Do coaches need prior psychology knowledge? | No. The modules are beginner‑kind and require no formal background. |
| Can the course be taken on mobile devices? | The platform is fully responsive; coaches can learn via smartphones, tablets, or desktop computers. |
| What support is available if a coach struggles with the material? | A dedicated help desk ([email protected]) offers email and live‑chat assistance during business hours. |
| How is data privacy handled? | All personal data is stored on secure FAW servers compliant with GDPR and the Welsh Data Protection Act. |
