Book now: National Football Museum hosts free virtual talk examining COVID-19 & mental health in the Beautiful Game

Embark on in-depth look at the impact of the pandemic on our city’s favourite sport, by the people on the inside. In a world where seemingly everything has been disrupted, football has remained a constant for many of us. But without the roaring crowds of spectators in stadiums, many fans and commentators argue that the game is not the same; it is missing a crucial element which makes football special.

Manchester’s National Football Museum is marking the anniversary of football’s lockdown with a FREE virtual event that aims to examine how the pandemic has affected the mental health of football players and fans alike. Taking place on Thursday 11 March, with kick off at 8pm, the event will feature a panel of industry experts who will examine football’s response to COVID-19. Guests will also outline success stories and consider what more can be done to support everyone involved in football across all leagues.

Panel guests include Amber Keegan Stobbs, Crystal Palace forward; FSA Chief Executive Kev Miles; Dominic Stevenson, author of Get Your Head in the Game and cognitive therapist Saiqa Naz. The debate will be anchored by Heart North East’s Emil Franchi. Also featuring on the panel is Andy Smith, one of the men behind Everton in the Community’s Tackling the Blues project, which aims to support children who are struggling with mental health issues across Merseyside. Get your free ticket from here or by following the booking button below.