Saturday’s fixture against Burton Albion is dedicated to charity and EFL partners, Mind, and the work they do to raise the awareness of mental health.
Rotherham United are right behind Mind, and as a football club we want to ensure that we do all we can to help people understand what mental health is.
Supporters may have spotted the charity’s logo on the back of club shirts this season, and that will be proudly worn again this afternoon alongside special t-shirts will be donned by players from Rotherham United during the warm-up.
Our matchday programme ‘Rotherham’s New Yorker’ also features a special front cover in support of the ‘Have Your Mate’s Back Campaign’, with more images of the first team squad appearing inside to reiterate the club’s commitment to the ensuring that there is always a healthy atmosphere around the training ground.
The club have also shared several posts on social media to raise awareness of Mind and mental health, whilst there will be a video from the charity which will be shown on the big screen here at the AESSEAL New York stadium, along with an announcement over the PA system.
Furthermore, representatives from Mind will be present this afternoon and they are holding a bucket collection, so please give as much as you can to support the work that the charity are doing locally in Rotherham, but also in the wider community.
“I talk all the time about how highly I regard the well-being of my players away from the football pitch and I am a huge admirer of the fantastic work done by Mind,” Paul Warne explained.
“I think their partnership with the EFL is really important because people sometimes forget that footballers aren’t immune from being affected by poor mental health and it is reassuring to know that the support is there should any players or staff need it.
“I like to think that we have created an environment at the training ground and around the club in which my players and staff feel they can openly talk about anything that may be on their minds. I have a really emotionally intelligent group here and I know that I would feel comfortable speaking with any of them about any problem or issue which they may have.
“The ‘Have Your Mate’s Back’ campaign has a really poignant message and I always want lads that come here to know that is certainly an ideology that we want to be present at all times.
“I know that there will be bucket collectors here from Mind, who have kindly volunteered their time to be with us on Saturday, so please give whatever you can to this fantastic charity.”
Whoever you support, Mind supports you!
For more information on our partnership with Mind visit: Mind.org.uk/OnYourSide