Southampton Women’s FC continues to strengthen its commitment to player welfare after committee member Sophia recently completed the Mental Health First Aid course through warm-up top sponsor, The Elliott Project. I caught up with Sophia to discuss the training, what she learned and how it will help support everyone across the club.

You recently completed the Mental Health First Aid course. What was the experience like and what did you learn from it?

Completing the Mental Health First Aid course through The Elliott Project was an incredibly valuable experience. It gave me a much better understanding of the different mental health challenges people can face and, more importantly, how to recognise the early signs that someone may be struggling. The course wasn’t about becoming a counsellor, but about having the confidence to start a conversation, listen without judgement, and signpost someone to the right support.

What was your biggest takeaway from the course and is there anything that particularly stood out to you?

My biggest takeaway was that simply being there for someone and listening can make a huge difference. You don’t have to have all the answers. Sometimes people just need to know that someone cares and is willing to listen. It also reinforced that mental health affects everyone differently, and we should never make assumptions about how someone is feeling based on what we see on the outside.

How does becoming Mental Health First Aid trained benefit the club and what difference do you hope it will make for players and staff?

Having Mental Health First Aiders within the club helps create a safer, more supportive environment where players, coaches, volunteers and families know there is someone they can approach if they’re struggling. Football should be a place where everyone feels valued both on and off the pitch. I hope it encourages people to speak up sooner, reduces stigma around mental health, and reminds everyone that it’s okay not to be okay.

How does this training complement the club’s existing safeguarding and player welfare work?

Safeguarding isn’t just about protecting people from harm, it’s also about promoting their wellbeing. Mental Health First Aid fits perfectly alongside our safeguarding work because it gives us another way to support the whole person. It helps us recognise concerns earlier, respond appropriately, and ensure that everyone within the club feels supported, respected and cared for.

The Elliott Project is the club’s warm-up top sponsor and it was founded by first-team coach Alex Rigby. How important is it to have a charity with such strong links to the club supporting this initiative?

I think it’s fantastic to have The Elliott Project involved because it shows that mental health isn’t just something we talk about, it’s something we’re actively investing in. Having a charity with such close links to the club makes the message more personal and genuine. Alex and The Elliott Project are helping to create a culture where mental wellbeing is just as important as physical wellbeing, and that’s something the whole club can be proud of.

Mental health is becoming an increasingly important conversation in football. What message would you like to share with players, coaches and supporters about looking after their mental wellbeing?

My message would be simple: look after your mental health in the same way you look after your physical health. It’s okay to ask for help, it’s okay to check in on your teammates, and it’s okay to have difficult days. Football is about being part of a team, and that support shouldn’t stop when the final whistle blows. By talking openly, looking out for one another, and knowing where to find help when needed, we can all play a part in creating a stronger, healthier football community.

Finally, I just want everyone connected with Southampton Women’s FC to know that ‘my door’ is always open. Whether you’re a player, coach, parent, or family member, you’re never alone.

All coaches all have my phone number. You can contact me by phone, WhatsApp, or text, whatever feels most comfortable. You do not need to give me your name, this can be anonymous. Sometimes you might just need someone to listen, sometimes you might need help finding the right support, and that’s absolutely okay.

I’m not just here for our youth teams or our first team, I’m here for everyone who is part of the Southampton Women’s FC family. If I can help getting the right pathway, or even just listen, then please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Southampton Women’s FC is proud to have The Elliott Project as its warm-up top sponsor. Founded in 2020 by first-team coach Alex Rigby alongside Elliott family and friends, the charity was created in memory of Elliot with the aim of improving mental health awareness and ensuring that nobody has to face their struggles alone. Through free Mental Health First Aid training, mental health awareness sessions and one-to-one support, The Elliott Project works to equip people with the confidence to recognise the signs of poor mental health, start supportive conversations and signpost those in need to the appropriate help. The charity is committed to breaking down stigma and creating communities where mental wellbeing is valued just as highly as physical wellbeing.

If you want to learn more about The Elliott Project visit:
https://www.theelliotproject.com/

Southampton Women’s FC would like to thank The Elliott Project for providing this invaluable Mental Health First Aid training. The club remains committed to creating a safe, welcoming and supportive environment for everyone, with mental wellbeing continuing to be a key part of its safeguarding and player welfare programme.