UK mental health pilot

A United Kingdom pilot scheme offering live football matches to support mental health has been praised.

Football on Prescription

The initiative involves general practitioners recommending live football matches for mild to moderate depression.

Forest Green Rovers pilot

The scheme started at fifth-tier Forest Green Rovers in Gloucestershire in August 2025.

Simon Opher and Dale Vince

Labour MP Simon Opher and carbon-neutral club owner Dale Vince spearheaded the social prescribing initiative.

World Mental Health Day

Participants attended Forest Green Rovers match coinciding with World Mental Health Day.

Sarah Bartlett's experience

Sarah Bartlett, a teacher caring for her 89-year-old mother with multiple sclerosis, found football matches helpful.

“I was feeling rather overwhelmed, lonely and at the end of my tether”

9.1 million prescriptions

The NHS reported 9.1 million patients prescribed antidepressants in 2025-26, a 3.1 percent increase.

Repeat prescription

The scheme is now on a repeat prescription for the new season after renewed partnership.

Dale Vince's view

Vince praised football's emotional impact, calling it a 'pantomime' with fun moments for all outcomes.

“Winning is a wonderful feeling. Playing well is a great feeling”

Expansion call

Bartlett and organizers urged expansion to English Football League and Premier League clubs.

Premier League response

The Premier League's Together Against Suicide initiative launched in 2025 but did not commit to the scheme.

Future plans

Opher aims to expand the scheme through lower-league clubs to improve community mental health.