A Manchester-based football club that supports men’s mental health is expanding into Salford and looking for new players of any ability.
Men United Against Suicide Football Club (MUASFC), founded by Lou Malone, is a community project that aims to combat male suicide rates through the power of football and open conversations.
They provide a safe, inclusive environment where members not only play football but also discuss their struggles, ask for help, and receive direction to appropriate support resources.
The club is currently in the process of expanding its roster into Salford, looking for players of all abilities and ages.
The concept for MUASFC arose from Malone’s personal experiences with mental health issues, which he has bravely shared in an attempt to encourage others to speak up and seek help.
Recognising the therapeutic benefits of exercise and open conversation, Malone envisioned MUASFC as a haven where people could escape the pressures of everyday life, engage in physical activity, and have open, stigma-free discussions about men’s mental health.
With a roster of more than 40 members representing North Manchester, the club has positively impacted the lives of numerous players.
Karlo, 38, who plays centre midfield for MUASFC said: “The impact of being a member of MUASFC on me and my mental health has been truly monumental.
“From the moment I turned up to the first session on a cold winter evening my life has changed dramatically. It has helped me find myself again, a new identity and purpose in life.
“The lads I play with weekly and now associate with socially are like a new family to me. I feel I can talk to them about almost anything, without the fear of judgement or criticism. It’s a real band of brothers. I can genuinely say hand on heart my mental health has never been better and that’s thanks to MUASFC.”
Another player, Tom Wilkinson shared his experience with the club.
He said: “Men United Against Suicide FC has completely changed my life. I’m not going to go as far as saying that it’s saved my life, because I am not really at a point where I want to admit to myself things were that bad, but I would not rule out that level of impact it’s had on me.
“Being a long-term sufferer of anxiety and depression has made and continues to make life quite challenging, but I feel so much more positive about most aspects of life being a part of this club.”
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