The number of current and ex-footballers accessing mental health support services this year is on course to match 2019 figures, despite a total drop-off in calls during the national lockdown. The PFA said 464 members had accessed counselling services provided by Sporting Chance up to the middle of September this year, compared to 653 in the whole of 2019. The number of footballers accessing mental health support is on course to match 2019 figures'We spoke to Sporting Chance who man our helpline and they said it's been extremely quiet,' he said. 'A number of people were finding it difficult to make phone calls being in such a closed environment, they couldn't speak openly. Five per cent were female players, the PFA said ahead of World Mental Health Day on October 10.

Source: Daily Mail October 06, 2020 23:30 UTC