BSC United set to grace the hallowed turf of Goodison Park for the Mental Health World Cup!

On Friday 22nd May, a squad representing the British Safety Council and Mates in Mind will be stepping out of the office and onto the legendary pitch at Goodison Park, the historic former home of Everton FC. 

The team of six players will join others to compete in the prestigious Mental Health World Cup – an event held across four premier league stadiums – all in the name of raising funds and awareness for mental health. 

Commenting ahead of the match, team captain Recheal Valderama, Supporter Development Manager at Mates in Mind, said: "We’re super proud and excited to be taking part in the Mental Health World Cup. 

“Through the work we do every day, we see first-hand the impact that good mental health and wellbeing support can have in the workplace. By taking part in the Mental Health World Cup, we hope to promote positive conversations around mental health and reach as many people as possible.”

Image: https://www.mentalhealthworldcup.org.uk/

How you can support 

Back for its monumental 14th year, the Mental Health World Cup has raised £900,000 for charity since 2012, with 100% of profits going to those in need. 

Team BSC are looking for help to reach their £500 target. You can donate via their page here.

Every penny donated will go towards the event’s partner charities, which include Mates in Mind, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), Mind and the Ollie Foundation.

“Every contribution will help support vital mental health initiatives and make a meaningful difference,” said Valderama.

Match day

The tournament kicks off on 22 May at 10:00 am. Watch the official draw live to see who faces off who on the event’s YouTube channel here. You will also hear from each club ahead of kick off about why they’re backing the cause. 

The grand final is scheduled for 3:22pm – giving BSC United exactly 5 hours and 22 minutes to cement their names in footballing history (or at least survive without pulling a hamstring).

Key tournament dates are:
•    Saturday 9th May: Watford FC
•    Friday 15th May: QPR FC
•    Friday 22nd May: Everton FC (Goodison Park) — The Big One for BSC United!
•    Sunday 24th May: Millwall FC

From Local Park to Premier League Stadiums

The Mental Health World Cup began back in 2012, founded by brothers Giancarlo and Gianpiero Gaglione after they tragically lost their youngest brother, Lanfranco, to suicide.

The brothers honoured Lanfranco's memory with a community football match in their local park, aiming to raise money for mental health charities and stand against suicide through a beloved sport.

14 years on, their casual kick about is now a fully-fledged charity tournament, entirely volunteer-led with players fundraising nationwide and flocking to football stadiums to play in the Mental Health World Cup each spring. 

Find out more: www.mentalhealthworldcup.org.uk 
Support Team BSC: BSC United: Let’s Win for Mental Health ⚽❤️🩵 at their Given Gain page here

Team players are: Recheal Valderama (captain), David Burton, Nathan Walker, Sazzadur Rahman, Niraj Majithia and Martin Lockham