CARING UTD: MATES FC

In 2022, CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) partnered with Carling to create Caring United, which recognises a handful of clubs across the UK that do more for their community.

MATES FC are very, very proud to announce that we have been selected to be one of these clubs and once a month we run/dedicate a game under the Caring Utd banner!

We are absolutely honoured to be recognised and are so excited to be part of this group of amazing teams!

What is Caring United?

CALM and Carling have teamed up to shine a light on the ordinary people doing incredible things. The ones who show that football is more than a game. Who remind us of the power football can have to bring communities together and build bonds.

With the help of Ashley Cole, Marvin Sordell and Darren Bent, CALM tell the tales of the people who have gone above and beyond – up and down the country, on and off the pitch. The captains, right backs and gaffers who are more than a player. The ones at the heart of their club and their community, using their passion to make a real, life-changing difference.

In 2022, MATES FC were recognised as one of 6 clubs in the UK that differ to other clubs and were recognised for all the hard work we do to help the local community.

Campaign Against Living Miserably are the UKs biggest and leading suicide prevention charity. CALM offer support and a brilliant phone line and carry out brilliant campaigns. They also have a football collective, using football to help prevent suicide. Since 2019, MATES FC have been proud to be a part of the CALM football collective, using football to prevent suicide.

Frontline services:

Anyone can hit crisis point. CALM run a free and confidential helpline and webchat – 7 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone who needs to talk about life’s problems. They support those bereaved by suicide, through the Support After Suicide Partnership (SASP).

Communities:

They help our boys, our dads, our mums, brothers, sisters, friends and colleagues. They spread their message and facilitate supportive spaces in workplaces, universities, pubs, clubs and prisons across the country – so that people feel empowered to share their experiences and get the help they need before they reach the point of crisis.

Campaigns:

Everyone has a part to play. CALM campaign with media partners, brands and ambassadors to spread awareness of suicide and its devastating impact with campaigns like #Project84, #DontBottleItUp and The Best Man Project. They challenge boring male stereotypes and encourage positive behavioural change and help-seeking behaviour, using cultural touch points like art, music, sport and comedy.

The Playbook

As part of our tie in with the great people at CALM and Carling for Caring United, we are over the moon to help launch their Playbook.

The Playbook is free to download for all grassroots clubs to help tackle whatever we face as individuals, as a team, tactics and tips to help your team look out for each other.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT THE PLAYBOOK

Get involved!

For a minimum of one match per month, we play in our MATES FC Caring United kit and we give first refusal to our core MATES FC Saturday players that are building our MATES FC Caring United Team.

We are still MATES FC, just with Caring United as the sponsor rather than MATES CIC.

This team will direct where it goes, how it grows, who we play etc. We are YOUR MATES FC.

Over the CARING United games, the team will bond, build and become something very special. Anyone is welcome to come and join in, however first refusal are to the founding team members.