York RLFC Partners with Menfulness to Promote Men's Mental Health in Rugby League

A new partnership has been formed between York RLFC and Menfulness, a local charity dedicated to supporting men's mental health. This exciting collaboration aims to promote positive mental health across the rugby league community in York, bringing together various clubs under a shared commitment to well-being.

York RLFC Supports Menfulness

York RLFC is thrilled to join forces with Menfulness, an award-winning charity based in York that focuses on men's mental health issues. This partnership is designed to ensure the well-being of everyone involved in the sport, including players, coaches, staff, and volunteers. The initiative will not only benefit York RLFC but will also include several other clubs in the area, such as:

• York Acorn RLFC

• Heworth RLFC

• New Earswick All Blacks RLFC

• Southland Masters

• York Master RL

• York St John RL

• York Barbarians

Focus on Positive Mental Health

Throughout the season, Menfulness will work closely with these clubs to provide presentations, talks, and resources aimed at fostering positive mental health. Clubs will also guide players and members towards Menfulness activities and their free counselling support if needed. Recent sessions held at Heworth and York Acorn have been well-received, particularly among senior and Under-16 players, with plans for more activities in the coming months.

Community Impact

Adam Prentis, Delivery Manager for York RLFC Foundation, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are absolutely delighted to be supporting Menfulness, a fantastic local charity that is making real progress in improving conversations around men’s mental health.” He highlighted the importance of having support from various clubs within the local rugby league community, which reflects a significant step towards breaking the stigma surrounding mental health discussions.

Prentis further noted, “Rugby league has always been about looking after one another, on and off the pitch, and this partnership shows the power of our sport to bring people together to drive positive change.” The collaboration aims to create a lasting impact not only on players and members but also throughout the wider community.

Official Launch and Upcoming Events

The partnership will be officially launched on Saturday, 16 May, when Menfulness becomes the official matchday partner for a thrilling double header. Fans can look forward to seeing York Valkyrie take on Huddersfield Giants in the Betfred Women's Super League at 12pm, followed by the York Knights facing Castleford at 3pm. This event at the LNER Community Stadium will mark a significant moment in the collaboration between the rugby clubs and Menfulness.

Positive Reception from Clubs

Dan Braidley, a trustee of Menfulness, shared that the response from clubs has been overwhelmingly positive. He described the partnership as a way to unite the rugby league community in York behind an important cause, transcending traditional rivalries. The collaboration is expected to foster a supportive environment where players and members feel comfortable discussing mental health issues.

This partnership between York RLFC and Menfulness highlights the growing recognition of the importance of mental health awareness in sports. By addressing these issues head-on, the rugby league community in York is taking proactive steps to ensure that everyone involved feels supported and valued.

As the season progresses, the initiative will continue to build momentum, creating opportunities for dialogue and support within the community. The partnership serves as a reminder that mental health is just as crucial as physical health, and that together, positive change is possible.