FOOTBALL and mental health.

Two topics that, it would seem, are becoming more and more intrinsically linked.

Once upon a time, they were poles apart.

Sadly, for an alpha-male footballer to open up about their feelings would have been the ultimate display of weakness.

Now, thankfully, those barriers are being smashed.

Prince William’s recent campaign to get men to open up about mental health issues through football projected the issue onto a national stage.

Now, closer to home, another light is being shone on the topic here in north Essex.

Mental health counsellor Liam Joyce wants to use his experience and background in our grassroots game to reach out to those in need.

And he is adamant the issue is a major problem - one he desperately wants to help remedy.

“Without question, mental health is an issue in football and it’s something I’m very passionate about,” said the 33-year-old from Colchester, who launched his I Hear You mental health group in December.

In fact, I’d say it’s a massive problem and I speak from personal experience

“Football has always been a huge and important part of my life but I struggled with my mental health when I was younger, especially after losing my mum when I was 12. I haven’t got a great relationship with my dad, either, so I’ve been through the mill a bit and had a big relapse in 2018.

“I’ve been in dark places but football saved me, without doubt.

“It was the only place I felt part of something.

“It was like being part of a family where my team-mates were my brothers.

“I know there are many more out there suffering and we’re seeing lads coming out and being open about their feelings.

“These guys have got homes, jobs and families - all the things you want in life - but football is their sanctuary.

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  • Liam Joyce

“It’s a place where they can be themselves for a couple of hours and, in my opinion, there will be one or two lads struggling in every single dressing room.

“Us lads aren’t always good at talking.

“We don’t always express ourselves and there can be a stigma about being open and honest, especially in such an alpha-male environment.

“It can be seen as a sign of weakness but that’s the barrier we’re trying to break down and we’re making progress, slowly but surely.”

Mr Joyce, who specialises in counselling footballers, set up his group and business in December and started running monthly group sessions at Stanway Rovers in January.

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A second meeting followed but then everything stopped because of the coronavirus pandemic.

He believes events of the last three months will have made things harder for those living with mental health issues.

“Football gives you a routine and there’s no doubt that what’s happened will have made the situation worse for people,” said the former Gilberd School student, who played football for both Stanway and Wivenhoe Town, in addition to a three-year spell with German youth side Wildenrath.

“It will have taken something positive away from a person when they’ve already got a negative mindset.

It’s particularly hard at the moment, given the fact these lads haven’t been able to play and train with their friends.

“But it’s important to stay positive and, from my point of view, it’s about reaching out to them and making them realise they’re not alone.

“We’re making headway and it’s about helping players, managers and coaches recognise the early signs of mental health problems.

“I see it as a type of coaching - educating them to understand and spot the telltale signs, if someone is struggling or in need of help.

“One day, it’s something I’d like to roll out in schools, too.

“We’ll never fully get rid of the problem but it’s about trying to make it more manageable.

“We just want to help and, as part of that, I ran a Zoom session on Thursday night.”

In addition to his work at Stanway and with SCS Sports Coaching Specialists, Mr Joyce has been speaking to Bradley James, the Little Oakley footballer who recently opened up about his battles with depression in a Gazette feature.

He has already enlisted the help of Colchester United legend Karl Duguid and will soon be working with the Essex and Suffolk Border League - a grassroots league featuring clubs from across Colchester and Tendring.

He is speaking to all managers at a meeting on July 8.

“Ideally, I’d love every club from all four divisions to sign up to my I Hear You campaign,” he said.

Our mantra is that it’s ok not to be ok.

“With the help of donations, we can get some training tops printed and ask the teams to have their pictures taken in them.

“It’s all about bringing the football family together and helping push our very important message.”