A community football initiative that supports people living with mental health challenges is preparing for the opportunity of a lifetime as players get ready to compete in the Mental Health World Cup at some of England’s most famous football stadiums.
Kick Out The Stigma, which provides a safe and supportive environment for people to play football and talk openly about mental health, will send six men’s teams and one women’s team to the tournament taking place in Spring 2026.
The competition will see teams take to the pitch at legendary venues including Watford FC’s home ground Vicarage Road, Everton FC’s historic Goodison Park, and Millwall FC’s famous The Den.
For many involved, it will be their first opportunity to play at professional football stadiums — an experience organisers say highlights the power of football to inspire and unite people.
Michael Ford, who is the founder of KOTS, said the chance to play at such iconic venues means a great deal to those taking part.
“It’s truly amazing to be able to give people the opportunity to play at these stadiums that they would never have thought possible — and for such a fantastic cause too,” he said.
“Imagine joining something just for a kick-about at the local astro pitch and then finding yourself playing at a stadium where highly paid professionals play on grass that’s like a carpet.”
The tournament aims to raise awareness of mental health while using football as a vehicle to bring people together, challenge stigma and encourage open conversations.
Kick Out The Stigma’s involvement will also help raise money for mental health charities connected with the event. The teams have already raised £7,500, with further fundraising efforts underway to support participation costs such as entry fees, transport, and equipment.
Any additional money raised will be donated directly to the tournament’s charity fund supporting mental health initiatives.
Alongside the men’s teams, a women’s side will also compete in the Women’s Mental Health World Cup at The Den, made possible thanks to the support of The MELP Foundation.
Representing the women’s team will be:
- Kim Coleman
- Laura Humphreys
- Mariana La Rocca
- Yasmin Jemmett
- Stephanie Bolt
- Tracey Tasker
- Helen Jude
- Gemma Sturgess
Organisers say the tournament is about much more than football — it is about creating opportunities, building confidence, and reminding people that they are not alone.
Kick Out The Stigma runs weekly football sessions at Charlton’s 3G pitch, with women’s sessions held on Mondays from 8pm to 9pm and men’s sessions on Tuesdays from 8pm to 10pm.
The group hopes its participation in the Mental Health World Cup will not only give players a once-in-a-lifetime experience but also continue spreading its message that football can be a powerful tool in supporting mental wellbeing and building community.
Those wishing to support the teams’ journey can do so through the group’s JustGiving fundraising page, helping them represent their community while raising awareness and funds for mental health charities.