In memory of Chris
Tragic footballer’s loved ones set up foundation
The family of tragic Stirling footballer Chris Mitchell want to ensure mental health support is on offer to other professionals playing the game.
The former Falkirk, Queen of the South and Clyde player took his own life in May 2016 after struggling with poor mental health.
And the Chris Mitchell Foundation has been set up by his family and girlfriend Louise Rooney with the aim of highlighting the need for mental health and wellbeing awareness within Scottish professional football.
They want to raise money which will help fund places on NHS mental health first aid courses for representatives from clubs from the SPFL, the Highland and Lowland leagues and the Women’s Premier League along with youth academies.
They believe that this will help safeguard the mental health and wellbeing of players and staff at clubs across the country.
The foundation will officially launch on Saturday night with a special sold-out ‘Night at the Races’ event at Stirling County Rugby Football Club.
Chris’ sister Laura has spent the last six months discussing with the PFA, the SPFL Trust and Sports Chaplaincy Scotland the plans for the foundation and how they can help introduce further mental health support for players.
She said: “Our aim is to have at least one representative from each club undertake the training. We found that the funding is scarce and it’s not readily available – especially to the Highland League, Lowland League and Women’s Premier League clubs.
“A two-day course for around 10 to 12 people will cost around £1000 to deliver, and it has been tailored so it is bespoke and unique to football.
“We know that those who do the training won’t be qualified mental health experts, who are able to provide a diagnosis. We just want people to be able to pick up the warning signs and perhaps offer some advice if it is needed.
“It could be staff members or players who undertake the training. It would also be good if we had physios or medical staff taking it up as sometimes players can experience difficult times if they are out injured or perhaps not playing.”
Chris passed away at the age of 27 when he was hit by a train at a level crossing near the family home shortly after stepping away from senior football due to travel requirements brought about due to a full-time work opportunity.
Laura added: “With Chris he wasn’t able to recognise the symptoms himself and things got so far down the line without him realising.
“Using Chris’ example as a case study may be something we will look at.”
The weekend’s launch will mark the beginning of the foundation’s journey and will aid a wide range of support services it hopes to fund at the outset.
All 250 tickets sold out in just a few days and the family say they are delighted with the response they have received.
Laura is a trustee on the foundation along with her dad Philip and Chris’ girlfriend at the time of his passing Louise.
Chris’ mum Brenda is also heavily involved with the foundation.
The footballer, who played at full-back or midfield, spent his final season in the game with Clyde, and also represented his country several times at Under-21 level.
For more information on the foundation or the charity’s mission go to cmfoundation.org.uk.