The “Mental Health World Cup” will take place in Liverpool for the first time this May after it was announced that the tournament will be held at Goodison Park.
The competition, which will see 48 teams of five players each compete for the title, was established to raise money for mental health charities. It also hopes to raise awareness of mental health issues and suicide prevention, especially among men, who are statistically less likely to seek out mental health assistance.
Giancarlo Gaglione, Founder of MHWC said:
“In 2012, we started with the idea of using football to get people on to the pitch to talk about mental health and suicide. We never imagined we would take it from jumpers for goals posts to one of the most historic stadiums in the UK, Goodison Park. 2026 is going to be a special year as we break the £1,000,000 mark for money raised for mental health!”
Founders Giancarlo and Gianpiero Gaglione lost their youngest brother Lanfranco to suicide and 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.
Many people enter the MHWC because they have personal or communal ties to mental health challenges or just want to support their community. This year’s tournament, at Everton FC’s former stadium, will be the first time it has been held in the north of England.
Everton fan Jack McLachlan said: “It’s important we look after each-other as a community and this charity match helps everyone come together because we all love Football it’s what this city is about.”
Each team that enters the tournament must raise money for charity in order to compete.
To take part click here .
