The first national research study examining mental health among League of Ireland footballers has been launched, marking a significant step in understanding and addressing mental wellbeing in Irish professional football.

Titled Mental Health in the League of Ireland: A Study, the report is the result of a collaborative effort between the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), the Player’s Football Association (PFA) Ireland, and South East Technological University (SETU) Ireland.

Conducted throughout the 2024 season, it focused on identifying the prevalence of Common Mental Disorders (CMDs) among players across the Men’s Premier Division, Women’s Premier Division, and Men’s First Division.

63% of the players surveyed met the criteria for at least one symptom of a CMD.

Players with lower education levels (Junior Certificate/GCSEs) were most likely to report symptoms of anxiety and depression, while Goalkeepers showed the highest prevalence of CMD symptoms compared to other playing positions.

Bohemians goalkeeper James Talbot took time out from his career last season to deal with mental health issues.

Older, more experienced players reported fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression but had higher instances of adverse alcohol use and Full-time professional players were least likely to exhibit CMD symptoms, compared to part-time and amateur players.

The report also examines demographic correlations and sets out recommendations for improving mental health awareness and support within the league.

It calls for its findings to be used as a foundation for developing high standards of preventative and supportive mental health measures for players.

It also encourages stakeholders to work together to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and ensure accessible mental health supports within Irish football.

“Prevalence research helps us understand how widespread mental health disorders are among Irish football players,” said Dr. Cíara Losty, researcher and lecturer at SETU Ireland

“By recognising the proportion of players affected, stakeholders can better gauge the extent of the problem. This kind of research plays a vital role in destigmatising mental health in sport and encouraging open dialogue.”

League of Ireland Director Mark Scanlon welcomed the findings, describing the report as “a welcome first step” and noted the growing pressures facing players as the league’s profile increases.

“It is important that the well-being of our players is always at the forefront of any decision-making process,” he said.

“This research shows some of the additional mental health challenges faced by players. It highlights the necessity of the supports we already provide and gives insight into what more is needed to protect player welfare,” said Stephen McGuinness, General Secretary of PFA Ireland

The full report is available at: www.leagueofireland.ie/about/media

 

Further Reading for Sport for Business members:

Check out Sport for Business coverage of Player Welfare

 

SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE

It’s the dream of any sporty child to be a professional sports star but this is evidence that sometimes the image and the reality do not quite match.  Knowing and accepting that there is a problem is an important step in the right direction.

WHAT’S UP NEXT?

Translating the research into a meaningful level of support for players will need to go beyond the first flush of awareness and overcome the impression that sure they are professional footballers, what have they to be worried about?

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