NEWS
Movember Ahead of the Game Launches in the Netherlands
In partnership with Play Mental Foundation, Movember’s world-leading initiative will now be reaching even more young sports players and their coaches, parents and volunteers in Europe.
CONNECTING WITH YOUNG DUTCH MEN WHERE THEY ARE
Movember Ahead of the Game is an expert-backed programme that uses sport to reach young people in an environment where they feel comfortable and connected.
It provides participants with the practical tools they need to have positive conversations about mental health, recognise when someone may need support and build resilience both on and off the pitch.
Ahead of the Game reached 100,000 global participants this year, and with a new partnership with Play Mental Foundation now underway, it’s set to reach even more young people across Dutch sporting communities.
PLAY MENTAL FOUNDATION
Founded by former professional footballer Gianni Zuiverloon, Play Mental Foundation is an organisation dedicated to improving the mental health of teenagers and young adults in the Netherlands.
The foundation includes other ex-athletes such as co-founder Edson Braafheid, as well as Ryan Babel and Gregory van der Wiel, who know from personal experience what it feels like to experience mental health challenges in a sporting environment.
Combining with the foundation’s local knowledge and skills will mean we can use the power of sport to help build mental resilience in young Dutch men.
When more young men and boys feel supported, whole communities benefit.
“If your mind isn’t in the right place, your body can’t carry you forward. This is why mental health deserves just as much attention as physical health, especially in sport, where we can connect with young people in many ways. Through our collaboration with local sports clubs, we aim to create supportive environments where young people feel comfortable discussing their mental wellbeing and supporting their teammates through challenging times.”
MAKING REAL IMPACT
The positive impact of Movember Ahead of the Game goes beyond the changing room or the field of play. When more young men and boys feel supported – and confident asking for support – communities benefit.
This launch into the Netherlands is the latest big step in the generational shift that Movember, its partners and Mo community are leading in how mental health is talked about within sport – and beyond.
“We’re extremely excited to introduce Movember Ahead of the Game to the Netherlands. This is a milestone moment as we focus on reaching even more young men in Europe to strengthen their mental health literacy and resilience. We’re also proud to partner with Play Mental Foundation, combining local expertise, passion and knowledge to reach boys in environments where they feel most comfortable.”
