Leeds United Academy recently delivered an educational programme based around the importance of communication, taking care of your mental health and being responsible with social media.

As part of the programme a number of different sessions were delivered with young players along with parents and staff from around Thorp Arch and the wider club. Also involved in the sessions were a number of first-team players including Liam Cooper, Stuart Dallas, Luke Ayling, Jamie Shackleton and Will Huffer – to offer advice and support on the topics being discussed, especially looking at the effects of dealing with social media and your mental health.

Throughout the February half-term a mental health organisation that provide prevention, intervention training and support those affected by suicide called If U Care Share were invited to the Leeds United training ground to hold workshops with the the various age groups. During the sessions they talked about the national ‘Heads Up’ campaign with suicide currently the biggest killer of young males and they discussed the importance of talking to each other, sharing your feelings and discussing any challenges and difficulties you could be facing.

Matthew Smith, a representative from If U Care Share, said: “There isn’t many clubs where you could go in and work with the full Academy in a week, it’s massive to be able to impact so many young people and it just shows that Leeds United acknowledge that there is more to football than just kicking a ball. There’s so much more involved with the sport and it’s been fantastic to be a part of this.”

A parent of an Academy Under-16 player, added: “Mental health is such a big issue at the minute and to know that Leeds United are really taking this topic seriously is so important. We found the parent sessions with If U Care Share so useful, it was all about encouraging conversations at home and starting off that discussion around our mental health.”

LUTV commentator Bryn Law was also in attendance through the week to deliver a number of sessions based around media communication and how to be responsible with social media. Members of the first-team squad were on hand to offer their advice when dealing with comments and opinions, encouraging the youngsters to not get carried away with what they read or hear, whether it’s negative or positive, and recommending that they to talk to family and friends if they are ever effected by something they’ve seen.

The former Sky Sports News reporter also gave guidance on dealing with the media and tips on being interviewed whether it is for TV, radio or a written publication, with the players taking part in prep interviews and even conducting some of their own interviews.

Leeds United midfielder Stuart Dallas, said: “I think it’s good to come in and meet some of the Academy kids – give them a bit of advice on social media and mental health and their wellbeing.

"It’s important that they know how to deal with social media these days and learn how to differentiate between social media and the real world. I think it's really important that they’re well educated on this topic as it’s such a big thing today.”

Leeds United Academy deliver a Holistic Education Programme to young players behind-the-scenes at Thorp Arch to ensure that away from football and developing their skills and ability they are also given the support to become well-rounded individuals. They deliver courses and educational programmes on a number of factors every season, such as; team building and cohesion, dealing with money, alternative career choices for life after sport, safer driving, communication, media and mental health.

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