Mind and EFL partnership

We all have mental health and we need to look after it as, just as we would our physical health. Yet every year, 1 in 4 of us will experience a mental health problem. That's hundreds of football players, and thousands of football fans. That's why we've been working in partnership with the English Football League (EFL), to raise awareness of mental health, to improve the approach to mental health in football, and to raise funds to deliver life-changing support.

We're Mind, and we're on your side.

'Mind 11' highlights

Over the first two years of the Mind and EFL partnership there have been some fantastic moments and milestones,
signs of cultural change amongst fans and clubs, and some great results that demonstrate the positive impact of the partnership. Take a look at the video to see our ‘Mind 11’ highlights.

More behind the highlights

We're on football shirts

Since the launch of the partnership, our ‘squiggle’ has appeared on the back of every EFL shirt across all Clubs in the Championship, League One and League Two, in a first for English football.

Having our logo on shirts has helped us achieve real change by raising awareness and understanding of mental health in football, sport and society as a whole.

Have Your Mate's Back

Our Have Your Mate's Back campaign encourages football fans to look out for their mates, and wear their shirts back to front, to support better mental health in football.

Tips on how to start a conversation about mental health

With 1 in 4 of us experiencing a mental health problem each year, and suicide being the leading cause of death for men under 45, we all know someone who needs support. If you're worried about the mental health of a mate, read through our tips on how to start a conversation.

Start a conversation

On Your Side Champions

As part of Mind’s Charity Partnership with the EFL, a group of ten players and managers from the three Football Leagues have been unveiled as ‘On Your Side’ Champions and will support various projects and campaigns throughout the Partnership.

The Champions will be involved in the important work taking place at Clubs across the EFL to raise awareness of the Partnership, improve the approach to mental health in football and raise vital funds for Mind.

Watch their interviews 

Names and numbers launch

Since the launch of the partnership, our ‘squiggle’ has appeared on the back of every EFL shirt across all Clubs in the Championship, League One and League Two, in a first for English football.

In August 2020, the designs of the names and numbers was updated and will continue to feature Mind’s squiggle logo joined to the first letter of the player name.

To celebrate the launch of the new names and numbers design, we asked fans to share stories of their chosen names and numbers they wear on a matchday.

Read some of the inspiring stories we received

Football and mental health stories

Blogs and stories can show that people with mental health problems are cared about, understood and listened to. We can use it to challenge the status quo and change attitudes.

Read some of the inspiring stories of people we've met through our partnership with the EFL.

Your stories

Support for you

Talking to someone who you trust is an important first step to getting help and support, this could be a friend, family member or professional.

Support from Mind: Talk to us - call our Infoline or visit our information and support pages. Need urgent help?

Support for players: The Professional Footballers Association (PFA) provides a wide range of support to academy players and professional footballers including self-help resources, a confidential 24 hour helpline and counselling.

Support for managers: The League Managers Association (LMA) provides support to members through their health care scheme.

Support for us

Text FOOTBALL to 70660 to donate £3 to Mind, and us help make that sure no one has to face a mental health problem alone.

Donate online