The Philadelphia Union Foundation, in collaboration with Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) and Independence Blue Cross, launches a groundbreaking project focused on providing mental health resources to youth soccer players, parents, and coaches. announced the launch of Head First, a new initiative. The new program begins with some youth soccer teams in Delaware County.
Nearly 15 percent of young people aged 10 to 19 around the world experience a mental health disorder. Additionally, a federal study shows that between 2016 and 2020, the number of children diagnosed with depression increased by 27%. In another study, approximately 91 percent of high school athletes said they experienced some degree of stress from their sport, and 58 percent reported feeling moderate to extreme stress. HeadFirst utilizes programs and content from PCOM psychology faculty to highlight the importance of mental health awareness and the resources available with educational materials developed for youth soccer players, parents, and coaches. I am.
“In recent years, several prominent elite athletes have helped destigmatize the discussion around the importance of maintaining good mental health. However, the youth mental health crisis remains real and prominent. It’s a serious problem, and the Philadelphia Union Foundation felt it was our responsibility to the community to be part of the solution,” said Paul Howard, executive director of the Philadelphia Union Foundation. “Together with our partners at Independence Blue Cross and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, we are developing a proactive approach to health to raise awareness of mental health issues and reduce the stigma against them. “Sports has the power to change the world, and we intend to use the beautiful game of soccer as a magnet to reach thousands of youth players, parents, and coaches across the Philadelphia region.”
Program details:
• “A Happyer U” Positive Psychology Programming: Developed and taught by Scott Glassman, Ph.D. (Psychology), Director of PCOM’s Applied Positive Psychology Master’s Program, “A Happier U” teaches players how to build and strengthen positive mindsets related to sports. An interactive educational program to learn from. Both school and home life. In between these in-person sessions, players receive exercises such as identifying encouraging self-talk, capturing positive events in life, writing down examples of personal strengths, and breathing/relaxation exercises.
• Digital Mental Health Toolkit: An estimated 125,000 youth soccer players will receive QR code bag tags, giving them easy access to a digital mental health toolkit that is free and available to the public at philadelphiaunionfoundation.org/headfirst. The toolkit covers five key drivers of youth mental health problems: depression, sadness, social media use, anxiety and bullying. Each toolkit includes content customized for youth players, parents, and coaches. The toolkit includes definitions of mental health concerns, symptoms, communication and support strategies, and links to additional resources. This toolkit was developed by PCOM faculty members Jessica Glass Kendleski, Ph.D., chair and professor in the School Psychology Department, and Lisa Corbin, Ph.D., dean and director of the PCOM Mental Health Counseling Program Master of Science. I did.
• Annual Mental Health Forum at Subaru Park: The annual Mental Health Forum will be held at Subaru Park. As part of its HeadFirst initiative, the Philadelphia Union Foundation hosts a forum for parents, coaches, and everyone involved in youth soccer each May to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Month. Healthcare leaders, mental health advocates, athletes, community leaders, and other key stakeholders will come together to engage in meaningful conversations aimed at increasing attention to mental fitness and Head First initiatives .
“We want our student-athletes to know they have a support network of loved ones, teachers, coaches and medical professionals to help them prioritize their mental and physical health.” said PCOM Chief Promoter Carrie Collins, J.D., Ph.D. Strategic planning officer. “As our kids navigate the inevitable ups and downs of sports, we are here to provide education and encouragement to help them feel their best on and off the field.”
“With mental health conditions like anxiety and depression on the rise, it’s important to create a safe environment where children can talk and learn the skills they need to be their best selves. Head First is committed to doing that in a way that meets our youth in the place they love: the soccer field,” said Dr. Rodrigo Cerda, Independence Blue Cross Senior Vice President of Health Services and Chief Medical Officer. Ta. “We are proud to continue our long-standing commitment to the community and join the Philadelphia Union Foundation and PCOM to provide mental health resources to children, coaches, and parents.”
