Rugby icon Jonny Wilkinson, Ashes centurion Jacob Bethell and teenage darts sensation Luke Littler are among the sports stars throwing their support behind the UK Government’s ‘Team Up’ campaign, which aims to tackle the male loneliness crisis. 

With one in four boys and young men aged 11 to 24 saying they feel lonely at least some of the time, Team Up aims to show how sport can help them find safe, welcoming spaces to make friends, build support networks, and feel part of a community.

Boxing champion Conor Benn, four-time Winter Olympian Dave Ryding and former darts world champion Luke Humphries are also backing the week-long campaign running from January 26 to February 1, which is supported by the Premier League, EFL, Rugby Football League, England and Wales Cricket Board, Lawn Tennis Association, Parkrun and men’s charity Movember.

People across the country will be able to get involved through a wide range of initiatives on offer at local clubs, with details available on the new Team Up website. From Arsenal’s matchday mental health drop-ins for fans as part of the Premier League’s Together Against Suicide initiative, to the Rugby Football League’s PaCE programme helping promising players grow off the field, to all 72 EFL clubs promoting the Scan To Smile iniative to combat loneliness and the January blues, Team Up will shine a light on the incredible work going on across sport to support boys and young men.

Ministers are deeply concerned that without positive spaces, young men are vulnerable to isolation, poor mental health, and negative influences found in the digital world. 

Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock said: “Every local team, club session and shared game can be an opportunity for young men to build connections and feel included. Initiatives like Team Up show how sport can create a welcoming environment where friendships take root, confidence grows, and nobody is left on the sidelines.”

Fight For Peace CEO Lee Hemmings added: “We were excited to hear about the Team Up Campaign as it gives us a brilliant opportunity to showcase just how powerful sport is in supporting young men’s wellbeing. What’s unique about our approach at Fight for Peace is that we combine combat sport sessions with mentoring and group personal development. What’s created is a community space for young men where they build stronger minds and bodies, grow friendships and connections, and are truly seen and heard.”

Find out how you can support Team Up at teamup.campaign.gov.uk

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