Our programs

Mental Health Guidelines in Community Sport

Mental Health Guidelines in Community Sport

A world-first program bringing evidence-based mental health guidelines to community sport, making it easier for clubs and coaches to create environments where players, parents and volunteers can thrive. The program is being developed across four markets so far, each with locally relevant guidelines co-created with experts, athletes and sporting organisations, so that even the smallest volunteer-run club has what it needs to support the mental health of its community.

Who it’s for

CLUBS, COACHES & VOLUNTEERS

To build a club culture where mental health is talked about openly, and have practical tools to spot and respond to challenges among players, parents and each other.

SPORTING ASSOCIATIONS & GOVERNING BODIES

To embed mental health best practice across their sport at every level of the system, and ensure the guidelines reach the clubs and people who need them most.

YOUNG ATHLETES & PARENTS

To take part in sport in an environment that protects their psychological safety as much as their physical safety.

POLICYMAKERS & FUNDERS

To understand what evidence-based, community-level mental health support in sport looks like, and where investment can have the greatest impact.

GLOBAL IMPACT

Community sport is one of the most powerful settings for reaching young men, and one of the least resourced when it comes to mental health support.

5

Countries developing locally relevant guidelines

World first

Mental health guidelines for community sport in Australia, with 4 more countries in development

2025

Year the current program began

6

Lead researchers across three countries

In action

Movember has conducted a small-scale co-design phase with community sports organisations to shape the user experience, and are conducting a six-month pilot with Melbourne Victory community clubs across metro and rural areas of Victoria.

MIA is a Mental Health Intelligence Agent, developed by UNCAPT in partnership with the Brain and Mind Centre (University of Sydney). As part of the pilot, MIA will aim to reduce the administrative burden on volunteers and provide localised, responsive guidance. Findings from the pilot will inform a national rollout, and potentially global implementation.

Lead partners

Melbourne Victory Football Club, UNCAPT, Brain and Mind Centre (University of Sydney), University of Wollongong

Official Partners

Promotional Partners

Movember supports all individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community, including those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual. Health disparities exist, with LGBTQIA+ individuals experiencing higher rates of mental health issues and discrimination, often exacerbated by stigma in healthcare. We advocate for the right to self-identify, protection from discrimination, inclusive education, and rights-affirming healthcare, ensuring everyone can lead a healthy, dignified life.

Movember acknowledge the many and varied experiences of people navigating their health and wellbeing, those who support them and those who came before us whose stories, struggles and strength have shaped what we know. We recognise those who have generously shared their knowledge and wisdom with us and honour those we have lost too soon. Their knowledge, insight and expertise are essential to improving the design, delivery and evaluation of the work that we do and their experiences remind us why this work matters.

Movember Foundation is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization.