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In the US, more than one in five adults live with a mental illness, which is approximately 21% of the adult population
An estimated 15% of working-age adults in the US have a mental HEALTH CONCERN at any given time
MEN AGED 40-49 HAVE THE HIGHEST SUICIDE RATES IN THE US
Half of all mental health conditions begin by age 14, and 75% develop by age 24
BOSTON BOLTS   x   THE SOCCER MENTAL HEALTH ALLIANCE

Our Mission

Welcome to the Boston Bolts' Mental Health Vault, in partnership with The Soccer Mental Health Alliance: your hub for mental health education and support.

We're on a mission to bring mental health support to everyone involved in the game. This is more than just soccer, it's about empowering our whole community with the tools to thrive on and off the field.

The Vault is our digital toolkit tailored for you. It's here to break down barriers, providing accessible and innovative mental health resources and create a culture of empathy and understanding.

Remember, more than 1 in 5 of us face mental health challenges each year. Mental health doesn't discriminate, and neither do we. Our platform mirrors the diversity of our vibrant soccer community.

Let's unlock the power of The Vault together and step into a future where mental health support is accessible, empowering, and the norm in soccer.

Danny Matharu - Founder

As a coach, I understand the importance of supporting the mental health of players and all those associated with the team. That's why The Vault was created.

I believe that soccer has a huge responsibility to all those involved to support their mental health. 

Mental health should be given the same level of attention and support as other critical issues like safeguarding. Currently, it is not and there is a complete lack of digital mental health support out there for the soccer community.

The Vault is the solution - join us on a journey to improved mental health. 

We have collaborated with specialist psychologists, recognised experts, coaches, parents/carers, FIFA accredited Agents and ex-pros to identify key challenges and create innovative solutions for The Vault.

Steven Caulker of Sierra Leone during Sierra Leone versus Ivory Coast, African Cup of Nations, at Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium on January 16, 2022. (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Meet The Bolts' Mental Health Leadership Team

Greig Robertson - Technical Director, Boston Bolts

Greig Robertson - Technical Director

Greig Robertson is in his second year with the Boston Bolts as the technical director. He is a forward-thinking and experienced UEFA Pro Licensed Coach with a Master’s degree in Performance Coaching from the University of Stirling.

Greig is known for his leadership, mentorship, and ability to create a culture of excellence within sports organizations. He is passionate about football, innovation, and youth development.

Off the pitch, Greig enjoys reading and spending time with his family.

Kyle Ryan - Player Care Lead, Boston Bolts

Kyle Ryan - Player Care Lead

Kyle Ryan is in his fourth year on staff with the club after graduating from the academy in 2015.

He went on to play soccer at George Mason University and UMass Lowell, while also representing the Bolts USL League Two side during the summers.

Kyle holds certificates in First Aid for Mental Health Level 1 as well as in Player Care.

He is passionate about soccer, coaching, and reducing the stigma of mental health in sport. Off the pitch, Kyle enjoys spending time with friends and family and plays guitar.

Meet Our Ambassadors

Steven Caulker of Sierra Leone during Sierra Leone versus Ivory Coast, African Cup of Nations, at Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium on January 16, 2022. (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Steven Caulker: Ex-Spurs, Liverpool, Southampton and Sierra Leone Captain

Steven Caulker is an English professional footballer whose career has spanned multiple leagues and teams, including stints with Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Southampton, Cardiff City, Queens Park Rangers. While his early years showed promise—earning him a call-up to the England senior team in 2012—his career later became more tumultuous. His athletic abilities as a defender often made headlines, but so did his personal struggles off the pitch.

Throughout his career, Caulker has been candid about his battles with mental health, including depression and addiction. He's spoken openly about the lack of mental health support in football, revealing that his struggles led him to the point of contemplating suicide.

Steven's honesty about his mental health struggles has added another layer of complexity to discussions about well-being in football. He's admitted to alcohol and gambling addictions, which he says were exacerbated by the high-pressure environment of professional football and the lack of adequate mental health resources within the sport.

His experiences have opened up a wider conversation about the importance of mental health support in football, including for players at the grassroots level. He’s become an advocate for change, urging clubs and governing bodies to take mental health more seriously, providing a cautionary tale but also a source of hope for those facing similar challenges.

By sharing his story, Steven Caulker has become a prominent figure in the push for better mental health support within football. His journey serves as a powerful reminder that even those who have reached the pinnacle of professional sports are not immune to mental health struggles. The struggles he faced—both professionally and personally—offer valuable lessons for the football community, emphasising the importance of a comprehensive mental health support system for all involved in the sport. His life story makes a compelling case for why initiatives like mental health training, self-awareness programs, and resources for dealing with addiction are essential components of a responsible and caring football community.

Steven now also heads up ‘Behind the White Lines’, the first ever Aftercare Academy run by professionals for professionals. BTWL offer a range of programs which give players the opportunity to play regular fixtures, train 5 days a week, and earn vital qualifications.

Billy Bingham - Licenced FIFA Football Agent

With almost three decades of experience playing and working in football, Billy has cultivated a strong reputation and extensive network across all echelons of the sport.

Currently, as the Head of Football Operations at Astra Partners, he collaborates closely with his clients and their families, with his primary focus being he ensures his clients make informed decisions that benefit their careers both on and off the pitch.

This role harnesses all the skills Billy has honed over the years to maintain his players' motivation and discipline. He strives to keep them grounded and humble while aiding them in realising the potential he knows they possess.

His passion for the game remains unabated. Billy's had the fortune of encountering diverse experiences in football, interacting with a variety of coaches, managers and players and visiting countless clubs throughout the UK and Europe.

Waking up each day and knowing that he's making a positive contribution to a player's career is an incredible feeling that Billy says he never takes for granted.

Billy also represents and supports many current and ex-pros in their lives outside of the game. One notable Client is Blackpool's Jake Daniels, who became the UK's first active male professional footballer to come out publicly as gay. 

Tasha Walsh - ADHD export, Seen and Heard Therapy

Tasha Walsh - (Accred.MBACP & Supervisor)
Seen & Heard Therapy

Tasha is a Relationally trained Counsellor and Clinical Supervisor. She has DDP (Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy) Level 1 and is a Certified Autplay Therapist which is a specialist play therapy devised specifically for Autism and other neurodivergent people.

Tasha worked for eight years within a cluster of schools in Leeds and now has a private practice.

She has a special interest in therapeutically supporting and advocating for children & young people and adults who are Neurodivergent.

Tasha offers training in Neurodiversity and other areas such as working therapeutically with domestic abuse.

Learning styles for all users

Explore a diverse range of mental health topics tailored to suit your learning style. With engaging infographics, audio options and articles, our resources cater to VAK learners, covering self-awareness, anxiety, neurodiversity, match preparation, and more. Discover the support you need, your way.

Infographics

Infographics can offer several benefits for displaying information:

Enhanced visual appeal:
Infographics combine images, icons, colors, and text to create visually appealing displays that are more likely to capture the viewer's attention than plain text.

Simplified communication:
By using visual aids, infographics simplify complex information into easy-to-understand formats. This makes it easier for viewers to grasp the key points of the data.

Improved retention:
The visual nature of infographics can improve the viewer's retention of information. This is because visuals are more memorable than plain text.

Increased engagement:
Infographics can increase engagement levels among viewers, particularly on social media. They are more likely to be shared than plain text, making them a great way to increase exposure for mental health messages. 

Articles

Consuming learning via written articles can offer several benefits for learners:

Flexibility:
Written articles can be accessed from anywhere and at any time, making them convenient for learners with busy schedules or those who prefer self-paced learning.

Focus and concentration:
Written articles can provide a focused and uninterrupted learning experience, without the distractions that may come with audio or video content.

Self-directed learning:
Written articles can enable learners to take control of their own learning, as they can read at their own pace, revisit sections, and take notes as needed.

Accessible:
Written articles can be accessible for learners with visual or auditory impairments, as well as those with slower internet connections.

Enhanced understanding:
Written articles can offer an enhanced understanding of complex information, as learners can take time to digest and process the information.





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Webinars

Webinars provide multiple advantages for both information delivery and learning:

Convenience and accessibility:
Webinars can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, making them convenient and accessible for people with busy schedules or those who are geographically distant.

Cost-effectiveness:
Webinars can be cost-effective compared to traditional in-person training or workshops. They eliminate the need for travel, venue rental, and other related expenses.

Interactive learning:
Webinars can provide an interactive learning experience through features like live chat, polling, and Q&A sessions. This can help engage learners and promote active participation.

Scalability:
Webinars can be delivered to a large number of participants simultaneously, making them scalable to reach a wide audience.

Available after the event:
Webinars can be recorded and shared, making them accessible to those who were unable to attend the live session. This can also provide a useful resource for future reference or training.
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Podcast

Consuming podcasts can offer several benefits for learners as opposed to written articles:

Improved retention: Some learners find that they retain information better when they hear it rather than read it. Listening to a podcast can provide an alternative way to absorb information and enhance retention.

Engaging and entertaining: Podcasts can be more engaging and entertaining than written articles, particularly when delivered by a skilled host or presenter. This can help learners to stay focused and interested in the content.

Multimodal learning: Podcasts can provide a multimodal learning experience, combining auditory, visual, and sometimes kinesthetic elements. This can benefit learners who prefer a variety of learning styles and enhance the overall learning experience.

Convenience and accessibility: Podcasts can be accessed from anywhere and at any time, making them convenient for learners with busy schedules or those who are on the go. Learners can listen to podcasts while commuting, exercising, or doing household chores for example. 



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The Vault proudly partners with mass.gov, connecting you to resources related to Mental Health & Counseling Services.

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The resources and support provided in The Vault are designed to promote mental wellbeing and provide general guidance on mental health related to the Boston Bolts soccer community.

However, the content is not intended to serve as specific mental health advice or replace consultation with a trained professional. If you or someone you know requires personalised mental health support, we strongly encourage you to consult with a licensed mental health professional or seek appropriate services in your area.

The Vault also offers signposting to help you find organisations that can provide more specialised assistance when needed.
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