Adelaide researchers detail how community sports clubs can break male anxiety and depression spiral

A study by Adelaide researchers says it’s found compelling evidence on what grassroots sport can do for men and boys.

Pooraka Football Club has been recognised for its efforts in the mental health promotion space. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

There is compelling new evidence to show the critical role grassroots sports clubs can play in lifting a community’s mental health prospects, especially among boys and young men, Adelaide researchers say.

Dr Jasmine Petersen says intervention resources for sporting clubs targeted at young males need to be prioritised. Picture: supplied

A Flinders University study finds a higher proportion of interventions implemented in community sporting clubs (90 per cent) are likely to have positive effects on mental health and wellbeing, compared to those conducted in professional sporting clubs (66.6 per cent) or university settings (50 per cent).

“In terms of mental health and wellbeing, we saw (sport-based interventions) had positive impacts on depression, anxiety, psychological wellbeing as well as resilience … also on improving health and wellbeing literacy and help seeking, as well as boosting confidence to help others who might be in need as well,” lead researcher Jasmine Petersen said.

“This really indicates there needs to be more focus on the development of resources on interventions for sporting clubs targeted at young males, particularly in those community-based settings.”

Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation chief executive John Mannion agrees getting mental health messaging right in sporting clubs is key. Picture: Tom Huntley

Dr Petersen said the comprehensive review of 15 existing interventions targeted at boys and young men aged 10 to 24 was significant given about 75 per cent of young Australian males participate in sport, largely within a sports club.

The plan now is to develop an engaging, sustainable, affordable and adaptable resource or toolkit for sports clubs which might involve building on initiatives such as the newly-created SportSA Mental Health Charter.

“From the existing interventions we can see they are highly structured, very resource and time intensive … if you think about the sport setting, it is largely volunteers who might not have mental health knowledge and skills,” Dr Petersen said.

Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation chief executive John Mannion agreed getting mental health messaging right in sporting clubs was key, amid rising rates of anxiety and depression.

Nowood FC has been praised for its response in the wake of the tragic loss of a player to suicide in 2023. Pictures: David Mariuz / SANFL Image

“For a lot of communities, sports clubs are that central point of connection (where there is) a strong sense of purpose and sense of belonging … it is the perfect vehicle to actually have the mental health conversation – so it becomes normal in every sports club.

“Our young people look to their coaches for the answers on the field but also off the field … using any framework within the community to start those earlier conversations … is critical.”

Mr Mannion said there were examples of clubs already doing it well, including “the likes of Goodwood Saints, Pooraka, Para Hills … down at South Adelaide”.

“And Norwood … Norwood’s response after losing one of their players to suicide was very, very powerful, about how they wanted to support their community,” he said.

“The narrative from a state perspective (is positive too), if you look at how Port, how the Crows, the SACA, Adelaide United … all are wanting to be actively involved in those conversations – they all are charity partners of Breakthrough.”

Originally published as Adelaide researchers detail how community sports clubs can break male anxiety and depression spiral