JUNE 19 - Father's Day at 11am
Jumpers for Goalposts
Four games across Ireland
to mark end of International
Men's Mental Health Week
Where it all began
Jumpers For Goalposts (J4G) was established in 2019. It is a volunteer-run movement that encourages men of different ages, ethnicities, backgrounds and abilities to come together for an old-fashioned game of football using ‘jumpers for goalposts’.
The idea is the brainchild of Dublin based mental health activist Keith Kelly. It followed the success of a poem and video he created for World Mental Health Week back in 2018.
In the poem Keith talks about his fond memories of a life lived outdoors, away from mobile phones and computer games. Large groups would throw down their jumpers to make goal posts and spend the day playing football together.
The video attracted a huge response. Keith got thinking about the possibility of recreating that experience in the form of a casual Sunday morning game of football in his native Ballybrack.
Something special
What followed was the beginning of something special. Approximately 65 men in their 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s responded. All were keen to come together, have a laugh, and enjoy a bit of fresh air and community spirit without taking themselves too seriously.
Many of them hadn’t seen each other in years. Some had been through big hardships including depression, bereavement, illness, addiction, separation and more. But all had the same goal – to get out and about and enjoy a bit of craic through social connection.
Players could choose to play for just a few minutes, or for an entire match. The main thing was to keep it lighthearted, inclusive, non-competitive, and enjoyable for all.
Before Covid the idea had grown and flourished. When restrictions and lockdowns were put in place, we attempted to keep the J4G flag flying with alternative online productions. You can watch some of those projects on our J4G Media page.
Jumpers for Goalposts is keen to get back out and about, encouraging people to come together for chats, laughs and a little bit of non-competitive football.
Joining forces with Mental Health Ireland
As part of our efforts to get back out and about and build on the successes we have had to date we have joined forces with Mental Health Ireland. This is to try and provide something more than just a game of football
Established in 1966 Mental Health Ireland is the longest established mental health charity in Ireland. Throughout their existence they have played a central role, along with Mental Health Associations across Ireland, in reshaping how the public understand mental health issues.
Mental Health Ireland has been front and centre in promoting positive mental health, supporting people with lived experience of mental health challenges in their recovery and bringing practical expression to national policy objectives.
By joining forces with Jumpers for Goalposts, Mental Health Ireland hope to reach an audience of mainly, but not exclusively, men who might otherwise have been missed. You can find out more about Mental Health Ireland and their campaigns at www.mentalhealthIreland.ie
Getting a game of Jumpers for Goalposts going
Before the game...
Jumpers for Goalposts is just a game of football like you remember from when you were a child. It’s a group of people in your community coming together with a football, on a patch of grass, throwing down a few jumpers for goalposts and just enjoying themselves.
No pressure, no competition and no judgement. Just laughs, chats, a bit of fresh air and activity. Simple. And all for free!
But you need to let people know that it's happening and where. So identify a patch of grass in your community suitable for a game of football. Let people know by social media or with notices in your local community centres or shops when and where the game is taking place.
Give people as much notice as you can - ideally a week to 10 days. Ask people to share venue and time on their social media platforms. Remind people regularly via social media in the lead up to the game.
On the day...
The patch of grass
Make sure your patch of grass is clear of any debris or rubbish. You don't need a football pitch. You don't need markings, corner flags, nets or anything else. You just need a bit of ground big enough to hold a game.
Bring a ball and some jumpers
Ok the ball is crucial but feel free to use a jacket, shirt, cardigan, coat or any other item of clothing in place of a jumper for your goalposts!
Pick two teams
Nominate two people to select two teams. Make sure everybody introduces themselves to each other.
No need for a Ref
This is a non-competitive game of football. There are no off-sides. And there is no need for a Ref.
Half time and finish
Half time is when people need a break. As you look to end the game just call next goal the winner. Have some water available.
Let us know how you got on
We'd love to hear how you got on. Take some pictures of the day and tell us of your experience. Send to info@jumpersforgoalposts.ie
Remember this is a mental health initiative...
Jumpers for Goalposts is a mental health and wellbeing initiative aimed primarily at men over the age of 18. The aim is to help men reconnect with friends and neighbours in a safe, healthy and fun environment. It provides them with an opportunity to seek and offer support to each other, if needed.
WE ARE NOT A SERVICE PROVIDER
Where to go if you have a Mental Health Difficulty
If you are affected by depression, anxiety or find it difficult to cope we would urge you to seek support from professionals.
Your family doctor is usually the first person to approach in relation to mental health concerns. Many people attend their General Practitioner (GP) when they feel they need more support for their mental health. In an emergency situation, and outside of GP hours, it is advised to attend your local accident and emergency department in your local hospital.
Mental Health Ireland also provide a list of Mental Health Services and Helplines - just click the button below.
Five Ways to Wellbeing
Wellbeing is feeling good about yourself, the world around you and functioning well in everyday life, most of the time. Being resilient and coping with the normal stresses of life is also an important attribute of wellbeing.
Mental Health Ireland's Five Ways to Wellbeing are simple actions to practice each day to maintain or improve our mental health and wellbeing.
For more about the Mental Health Ireland's Five Ways to Wellbeing click here.