World Mental Health Day: How the sports industry showed up
On Friday 10th October, World Mental Health Day well and truly took over the sport industry – with campaigns, videos, and reminders across the board about the importance of mental wellbeing, and that it’s okay to not always feel okay.
At Sport Industry Group, we believe this conversation should last far beyond a single day. Earlier this year, we launched our Mental Wellbeing platform to spotlight the incredible work being done across the sector to support people within our industry.
To help keep the conversation going, we’ve collated some of the work shared across the industry for World Mental Health Day, highlighting the powerful messages and stories that continue to drive awareness and change.
Sport Industry Group Chair, Nick Keller, reflected on his own 25-year journey with mental health, highlighting how physical activity has been central to managing balance and anxiety. He urged the industry to recognise its unique power to support both those working within sport and the wider public, using movement, connection, and community to drive positive change.
The International Olympic Committee showcased athlete-led initiatives under the ‘Let’s Move’ campaign, highlighting movement, connection and conversation as essential parts of good mental health.
Arsenal shared stories from players and staff across the club, reminding fans that no matter the level of the game, we all benefit from checking in and looking out for one another.
Prem Rugby players shared candid reflections on life beyond the pitch, emphasising the power of community, honesty, and vulnerability in supporting mental wellbeing.
Mary Earps used her platform to talk about resilience, perspective and self-care — encouraging fans to find strength in vulnerability.
Aston Martin F1 highlighted the importance of communication and teamwork within high-pressure environments, showing that wellbeing and performance go hand in hand.
England Netball’s short film, included within their ‘I wish I knew’ campaign, celebrated the connections built through sport, showing how team spirit and open conversations can make a huge difference.
We’re committed to ensuring mental health remains front and centre in the industry. Our next session, Webinar 2: Ways to Create & Maintain Leadership Buy-In, will take place on Monday 3rd November, hosted online with Lee McKay.
If you’re interested in joining, please register your interest here: events@sportindustry.biz
You can explore and download a variety of different mental health resources online here.
