Rugby League Cares | Enhancing Young Peoples' Lives through Rugby League

Rugby League Cares has enhanced the lives of more than 18,000 young rugby league players, their coaches and family members over the last two years through its delivery of the Movember Ahead of the Game programme.

Ahead of the Game is directed at children and young people aged between 12 and 18: its focus is early intervention and enables youngsters to understand their mental fitness, focusing on anxiety, depression and ways in which they can ‘help a team-mate’ who may be struggling.

Research shows that 50 per cent of adults diagnosed with a mental health problem experience their first symptoms by the age of 14, and 75 per cent by the age of 18.

This is why RL Cares has set out to educate as many young people as possible about their mental health. We are endeavoring to reduce the prevalence of poor mental health by showing young people how to spot the signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Ahead of the Game equips them with tools and techniques to ‘help out a mate’ who may be struggling with their mental health, and shows how they can approach and support them if needed.

Feedback from Ahead of the Game has been universally positive: one coach said: “Without a doubt, the best workshop we’ve facilitated on mental health,” while one head teacher said “A refreshing, fun yet informative workshop that gave our students practical ways to help one another.”

If you’d like your junior players to be Ahead of the Game, please get in touch via info@rlcares.org.uk