Let’s all club together for better mental health

Sports clubs have the potential to provide a profound and positive impact on the mental health of their younger members, but the whole club must be engaged to make a real difference. 

A new study by Flinders University shows that while coaches are often the focus of mental health efforts in sport, real and sustainable change relies on recognising the role of all club stakeholders including parents, committee members, trainers and volunteers.  

“Our findings suggest that mental health initiatives in youth sporting clubs need to go beyond coaches to embrace a ‘whole-club’ approach,” says lead author, registered psychologist and PhD student, Kate Rasheed. 

“Sporting clubs are made up of so many moving parts and if we want to truly support young people, we need to consider the club as a whole, and not just rely on coaches or one passionate individual.” 

With growing recognition of sporting clubs as venues for mental health promotion, various programs and resources have been developed for these locations. 

“Some programs have shown promise in improving mental health outcomes however it’s still not regarded as a priority,” says Ms Rasheed from the College of Education, Psychology and Social Work.   

Drawing on interviews with 23 South Australian sporting club stakeholders including coaches, trainers, presidents, and parents, the study found strong recognition of the importance of community clubs supporting youth mental health.  

However, this recognition is rarely translated into meaningful or ongoing engagement with club-based mental health initiatives.  

“Many participants described one-off efforts or ‘token’ activities that lacked integration into club culture or routine,” she says.  

“We really need to rethink how mental health strategies are framed and delivered. 

“They should not only focus on individual well-being but also a broader perspective that includes support and education for players, coaches, and staff, as well as the club’s policies, culture, and structure. 

“By addressing these, clubs can create a more supportive environment rather than just implementing isolated programs.  

“It ensures mental health initiatives are embedded in the club's identity, making them more effective and long-lasting.” 

The study also found that a greater emphasis needs to be placed on helping clubs create safe, inclusive environments, and integrate mental health support into existing practices and routines of sport. 

Importantly, these efforts must also work to bridge the persistent gap between performance, physical health, and mental health by using sport-specific strategies that make mental wellbeing part of everyday training and play. 

“Unlocking a club’s potential requires a collective, multilayered approach tailored to each individual club,” she says. 

“We’re not saying clubs necessarily have to do more, but they do need to do things differently. 

“Even small, well-aligned steps when embedded in club culture and routine can make a meaningful difference.”  

The paper, ‘Unlocking a sporting club’s potential: a whole club approach to youth mental health promotion from the perspectives of club stakeholders’ by Kate Rasheed, Jasmine M. Petersen, Sam Elliott, Murray Drummond and  Ivanka Prichard was published in Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health.  

DOI: 10.1080/2159676X.2025.2476151  

Acknowledgements: 

This research was supported by a Hospital Research Foundation and Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation Grant.