The
Philadelphia Union Foundation,
in collaboration with
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM)
and
Independence Blue Cross, has announced the launch of HeadFirst, a groundbreaking initiative focused on
providing mental health resources for youth soccer players, parents, and
coaches. The new program will begin with select youth soccer teams in
Delaware County.
Nearly
15 percent of youth worldwide
between the ages of 10 – 19 experience a mental health disorder. And
a federal study
showed that between 2016 and 2020, the number of children diagnosed with
depression increased 27 percent. In
another study, about 91 percent of high school athletes said they experienced some level
of stress due to their sports, and 58 percent reported moderate-to-extreme stress.
HeadFirst, powered by programming and content from PCOM psychology faculty,
emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness and the resources
available using educational material developed for youth soccer players,
parents, and coaches.
“In recent years, several prominent elite athletes have helped destigmatize
the conversation around the importance of maintaining good mental health.
However, the youth mental health crisis remains a real and prominent issue,
and the Philadelphia Union Foundation felt a responsibility to their
community to be a part of the solution,” said Paul Howard, Executive
Director of the Philadelphia Union Foundation. “With our partners at
Independence Blue Cross and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, we
have developed a proactive approach to well-being to raise awareness of, and
reduce the stigma around, mental health issues. Sport has the power to
change the world and we intend to use the beautiful game of soccer as the
magnet to reach thousands of youth players, parents, and coaches throughout
the Philadelphia region.”
More details about the program:
• “A Happier U” positive psychology programming: Developed
and led by Dr. Scott Glassman, PsyD, director of the Master of Applied
Positive Psychology Program at PCOM, “A Happier U” is an interactive
educational program where players will be learning how to build and
strengthen a positive mindset related to sports, school, and life at home.
Players will receive exercises to try in between these in-person sessions,
such as identifying encouraging self-talk, catching good events in life,
writing down examples of personal strengths, and breathing/relaxation
exercises.• Digital Mental Health Toolkits: An estimated 125,000 youth
soccer players will receive a QR code bag tag giving them easy access to
Digital Mental Health Toolkits that are free and available to the public at
philadelphiaunionfoundation.org/headfirst. The toolkits cover five key drivers of mental health challenges in young
people: depression, grief, social media use, anxiety, and bullying. Each
toolkit features tailor-made content geared towards youth players, parents,
and coaches. The toolkits include the definition of the mental health
concern, symptoms, communication and support strategies, and links to
additional resources. The toolkits were developed by PCOM faculty members
Jessica Glass Kendorski, PhD, chair and professor of the Department of
School Psychology, and Lisa Corbin, PhD, chair and director of the Master of
Science in Mental Health Counseling Program at PCOM.• Annual Mental Health Forum at Subaru Park: An annual Mental
Health Forum will be held at Subaru Park. As part of the HeadFirst
initiative, the Philadelphia Union Foundation will host a forum for parents,
coaches, and all those involved in youth soccer every May in line with
Mental Health Awareness Month. Healthcare leaders, mental health advocates,
athletes, community leaders, and other key stakeholders will convene to
engage in a meaningful dialogue aimed at advancing attention on mental
fitness and the HeadFirst initiative.
“We want our student athletes to know there is a support network of loved
ones, teachers, coaches, and healthcare professionals who can help them
prioritize their mental and physical well-being,” said
Carrie Collins, JD, PhD, PCOM’s chief advancement and strategic planning officer. “As our children
navigate the inevitable ups and downs of sports, we’re here to provide
education and encouragement so that they feel their best on and off the
field.”
“With mental health conditions like anxiety and depression on the rise, it’s
important to create safe environments for our kids to talk and learn the
skills needed to be their best selves. HeadFirst is committed to doing that
in a way that meets youth in the place they love: The soccer field,” said
Dr. Rodrigo Cerdá, Independence Blue Cross senior vice president of Health Services and chief
medical officer. “We’re proud to continue our longstanding community
commitment and join the Philadelphia Union Foundation and PCOM in bringing
mental health resources to kids, coaches, and parents.”