Kick Out The Stigma – Andover has celebrated an unforgettable campaign in the 2026 Mental Health World Cup after raising an incredible £9,500 to support mental health awareness through football.
The Andover-based organisation took part in this year’s tournament across three iconic football stadiums — Watford F.C.’s Vicarage Road, Everton F.C.’s Goodison Park, and Millwall F.C.’s The Den — with multiple men’s teams competing alongside a women’s team entering the first-ever Women’s Mental Health World Cup.
The campaign saw hundreds of players from across the country come together to raise awareness of mental health, promote inclusion, and use football as a tool to help people feel supported and less alone.
After months of fundraising, travel, and tournament action, Kick Out The Stigma – Andover announced the group had raised £9,500 for both the Mental Health World Cup and the Melp Foundation.
Founder Michael Ford admitted he was overwhelmed by the achievement.
“And I honestly don’t know what more to say,” he said. “My head’s been on overdrive and overwhelmed from it all and the amount we raised alone.”
The journey began at Vicarage Road, where two Andover teams stepped out onto the pitch alongside 40 teams and more than 340 players from across the country. Players competed against strong opposition, including a side featuring former Watford players, while the atmosphere inside the stadium highlighted the growing impact of the Mental Health World Cup initiative.
The campaign then moved north to Goodison Park, where an early 3:30am start did little to dampen spirits. One of the standout moments came as lifelong Everton supporter Jayden Davies achieved a dream by walking out onto the famous pitch — a moment teammates said would have made his late grandfather proud.
The final round took place at The Den, home of Millwall, where Kick Out The Stigma fielded three men’s teams and their women’s squad in the inaugural women’s competition.
Organisers described the day as emotional, inspiring, and a powerful reminder of the role football can play in improving mental wellbeing.
The women’s side, representing Japan, earned praise after competing against semi-professional opposition and impressing players and spectators alike with their attitude, determination, and teamwork.
Another emotional moment came as lifelong Millwall supporter Gemma Sturgess walked out onto the pitch at her club’s stadium — something organisers described as “dreams becoming reality.”
Kick Out The Stigma said the campaign was about far more than football.
“This is awareness being raised. This is conversations being started. This is people feeling less alone,” the organisation said in a statement.
“This is community, support, friendship, and football bringing people together for a cause that truly matters.”
Throughout the tournament, the organisation received backing from local businesses and sponsors including Rachel’s Driving School, Ben’s Quality Dry Cleaners, A W Garland, Andrew Horsnell, Hampshire T-Shirt Printing Services, Kelm, and The Traveling Cupcake.
Special thanks were also paid to minibus sponsor Andrew Horsnell, who surprised players by arriving with cakes for the teams during the Millwall trip.
Players, volunteers, supporters, family members, and sponsors were all praised for helping make the campaign possible, with organisers saying every donation, share, and message of encouragement made a difference.
Kick Out The Stigma says the success of this year’s campaign has shown the powerful connection between football, community, and mental health awareness.
“Football saves lives. Talking saves lives. Together we continue to Kick Out The Stigma.”