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The Irish Sun
14-05-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Mental health survey of League of Ireland footballers finds alarming trend among part-time players
PART-TIME players are more likely to suffer from anxiety than their full-time counterparts, according to the first-ever mental health study of League of Ireland footballers. The SETU review, which was commissioned by the And its main findings were 63 per cent of respondents had at least one symptom of common mental disorder, while early school leavers were more likely to suffer from anxiety. Full-time footballers were also least likely to have mental health issues, while older players were less likely to seek help. The report also showed that goalkeepers were more likely to have symptoms of common mental disorder than any other position. The PFAI have sought funding from the world players' body FIFPro to put in place greater supports for members. Read More On Irish Football LOI director Mark Scanlon said: 'This report is a welcome first step in looking into the crucially important, yet under-researched, area of mental health amongst footballers in the League of Ireland. 'As the profile of the League of Ireland continues to grow, this brings extra pressure and attention to clubs and players and it is important that we ensure that the well-being of our players is always at the forefront of any decision-making process. 'This excellent report brings together crucial stakeholders in the game, and we hope that it will be the beginning of a journey of further research into this important topic. 'We look forward to working with the PFA Ireland and SETU Ireland as well as players, coaches and match officials to help break the stigma and encourage open conversations regarding mental health and well-being.' Most read in Football PFA Ireland general secretary Stephen McGuinnness said: 'This research shows some of the additional mental health challenges faced by players in the professional football industry in Ireland. 'It highlights the necessity of the supports we already provide our members in PFA Ireland and gives some insight towards additional supports that will be needed to support players in the future. Carlo Ancelotti named Brazil coach as former Chelsea boss makes history after leaving Real Madrid 'We look forward to undertaking further research in this area.' 1 League of Ireland Director Mark Scanlon called the report 'a welcome first step' into improving the mental health of domestic footballers
Irish Daily Mirror
13-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
Study reveals nearly two thirds of LOI players suffer with their mental health
A pioneering study into mental health among League of Ireland players has revealed that 63 percent meet the criteria for at least one symptom of a Common Mental Disorder (CMD). That means that of the 219 participants - from both the men's and women's League of Ireland - 138 players fall into that category. According to the study: 'A person experiencing a CMD may report feelings of psychological disturbance and describe a state of emotions that noticeably affect their way of thinking, feeling and behaving. This disturbance reaches the extent that areas of their life that they consider important to them are negatively impaired such as learning, living, working, exercising and socialising.' It also found that goalkeepers were more likely than players in any other position to experience a CMD. The study explained this, stating: 'Goalkeeper is a stand alone position, where the player wears a separate jersey, abides by a separate set of rules, and often experiences loneliness. As a result, much of the existing research in this area found that goalkeepers tend to experience higher rates of anxiety/depression than individuals in other positions. 'Goalkeepers in the present study showed similar trends. They reported the highest (33.3 percent) scores for anxiety/depression, in addition to also reporting the highest (27.8 percent) scores for sleep disturbance.' More experienced players reported higher scores for Sleep Disturbance and Adverse Alcohol Use. Women surpassed the CMD threshold in areas of General Distress, Anxiety/Depression, and Sleep Disturbance at a rate more than twice that of men. Players over the age of 18 from the Men's and Women's Premier Divisions, and the Men's First Division, took part in the study. Among the key findings are: The research report, titled 'Mental Health in the League of Ireland: A Study', is a product of collaboration between the FAI, the PFA Ireland and South East Technological University (SETU) Ireland. Conducted throughout the 2024 season, the primary aim of the report was to examine the prevalence of CMDs amongst players in the three senior men's and women's divisions. PFA Ireland chief Stephen McGuinness is delighted to see mental health issues being highlighted. He said: 'Players are an integral part of the League of Ireland and it is imperative that all stakeholders play a role in supporting them, whether that is around their employment, their physical health or their mental health. Click this link or scan the QR code to receive the latest League of Ireland news and top stories from the Irish Mirror. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. 'This research shows some of the additional mental health challenges faced by players in the professional football industry in Ireland. 'It highlights the necessity of the supports we already provide our members in PFA Ireland and gives some insight towards additional supports that will be needed to support players in the future. We look forward to undertaking further research in this area.' League of Ireland director Mark Scanlon said: 'This report is a welcome first step in looking into the crucially important, yet under researched, area of mental health amongst footballers in the League of Ireland. 'As the profile of the League of Ireland continues to grow, this brings extra pressure and attention to clubs and players and it is important that we ensure that the well-being of our players is always at the forefront of any decision-making process. 'This excellent report brings together crucial stakeholders in the game, and we hope that it will be the beginning of a journey of further research into this important topic. 'We look forward to working with the PFA Ireland and SETU Ireland as well as players, coaches and match officials to help break the stigma and encourage open conservations regarding mental health and well-being.' And Dr Cíara Losty, lecturer and researcher in Applied Sport Psychology at SETU added: 'By identifying the scope of the issue within footballers, prevalence research can help us to understand how widespread mental health disorders are among Irish football players. 'By recognising the proportion of players affected, stakeholders can better gauge the extent of the problem. 'Mental health often remains a stigmatised topic in sport. Research helps bring attention to the issue, destigmatising it and encouraging open conversations among players, coaches, and management about mental wellbeing. 'Mental health is crucial for the long-term career sustainability of players. Research can provide insights into factors that impact players' mental health, helping to prevent burnout and career-ending issues. 'Overall, prevalence research is a step toward creating an environment where players' mental health is prioritised, leading to healthier, more successful players in Irish football.'
