Tommy Rowe believes football has the ability to have a huge, positive impact on mental health.
Rovers versatile play-maker was part of the 2021/22 third shirt campaign in which the club joined up with CALM, LNER and Elite Pro Sports to produce a blackout shirt in order to raise awareness of the important message that mental health struggles aren’t always visible.
Rowe believes this campaign is just one of a long list of positive things football has done to support mental health.
“There have been many examples of positive influences sport can have on mental health,” he said.
“Even at the club, James Coppinger has advocated for talking more about mental health.”
Coppinger designed the 2020/21 third shirt which was gold and was also dedicated to CALM.
This year, the message is even more powerful with the subtle design helping to drive home the message that people can experience mental health struggles without anyone around them knowing. That’s why it’s important to speak up and ask you mate how they are doing twice.
“For me, it’s vital that we have these conversations and talk about how we can get players and people to feel more comfortable speaking up about mental health,” Rowe added.
“The more we can do and the more we talk to each other, I think that will be positive for people who are going through a difficult time – whether that’s a team-mate, or a friend or a supporter.
“It's never easy opening up about things but there are people and tools that can help you and CALM do a great job in that and they’ll be there for you if you find yourself in a position where you’re struggling.”
