Goole Vikings launch groundbreaking #GotYourBack campaign for charity fixture

As part of Men’s Health Week, Goole Vikings will make a powerful statement this Saturday with their #GotYourBack campaign in support of official charity partner Men's Mental Health Group (MMHG).

In what is believed to be a first in professional sport, Vikings players will wear a special charity kit take to the field against Keighley Cougars in the Betfred Championship tomorrow (Saturday 20 June), carrying the names of their teammates and friends on the back of their shirts instead of their own.

The initiative forms part of the club's official charity fixture and Men's Health Week activities, designed to highlight the importance of supporting one another and encouraging conversations around mental health.

The message is simple. Have someone's back. Check in. Listen. Talk.

For one week only, the Vikings squad will quite literally have their mates back by carrying the name of someone else on the back of their shirt alongside their squad number - symbolising the importance of being there for your teammates, friends, family members, colleagues and those who may be struggling in silence.

Saturday's match will also mark the first appearance of the club's new limited-edition charity shirt, featuring the branding and logo of Men's Mental Health Group.

The campaign sits alongside the club's "Get It Off Your Chest" initiative, which has seen principal partner Northern Retrofit voluntarily give up its usual front-of-shirt sponsorship position to help shine a spotlight on Men's Mental Health Group and the growing work it carries out across the community.

The special edition kit has been designed to raise awareness of men's mental health and will be worn by the players during the fixture, as well as being made available to supporters.

Men's Mental Health Group Co-Founder, Luke Brailsford, welcomed the initiative.

"We are overwhelmed by the gesture from the Vikings and their players to get involved in the campaign in this way.

"This really does show the strength of having someone's back and is a great way for the players to engage with the charity, it will be a talking point and capture the imagination, and most importantly help highlight the importance of conversation, listening and being there for one another.

"The challenges men face with their mental health, young and old, have never been more in focus than they are now, and we hope through partnerships like this and the launch of the new group sessions in Goole, we can help make a difference to men across this community."

The Vikings hope the campaign will encourage supporters to think about the people around them and remind them that sometimes a simple conversation can make all the difference.

The club's new limited-edition charity shirt was officially launched yesterday and is available to purchase now online and from the club shop at Saturday's fixture.

The kit will be worn in tomorrow’s Betfred Championship match against Keighley Cougars at the Victoria Pleasure Grounds.

Every purchase helps raise awareness of men's mental health while allowing supporters to own a unique piece of Vikings history from what promises to be a memorable and meaningful occasion.

Click here to buy a charity shirt.

Click here to buy match tickets.