Prince William has an upcoming mental health documentary featuring the athletes. Titled Football, Prince William and Our Mental Health, the program is aimed at addressing the stigma around grown men who are struggling with their emotional and mental wellbeing.
The show recently released a teaser for the documentary, where Prince William is heard telling professional football players that it's OK for them to feel not OK. He's also heard telling the men that they don't have to feel shame for experiencing mental health struggles. Prince William said that they have to be able to look at their struggles to deal with it.
The Duke of Cambridge personally talked with the athletes either in-person, which was filmed before the coronavirus lockdown, and though a video chat post-pandemic. One of the athletes agreed with the royal and said that men normally shun their feelings and tell people they are doing fine despite their struggles.
According to People, the documentary is part of an initiative from Heads Up, Prince William and Kate Middleton's mental health advocacy. In January, Prince William also took part in a PSA about the struggles of those in sports and encouraged them, as well as their sports fans, to not be afraid of the stigma surrounding how they dealing with their mental health.
Prince William is a staunch supporter of football professionals as the President of The Football Association. In a statement to announce the focus of Heads Up among sportsmen and its fans, Prince William said that they hope to use the game, as well as its athletes, to promote "a lasting mental health legacy."
Tony Hall, the BBC director general, also released a statement before the launch of Football, Prince William and Our Mental Health. He said that the timing of the documentary is crucial, especially in this pandemic when many people are isolated away from their friends and family.
Meanwhile, Prince William and Kate recently had another mental health talk with the volunteers of Shout, which is an offshoot organization of Heads Up. Shout is a 24-hour text service hotline for people with mental health issues.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were in a video conference with at least six volunteers to celebrate the organization's anniversary. Kate told the volunteers that they are trailblazers for being part of the initiative since its launch almost six years ago. Kate and Prince William also congratulated them for doing a great job of helping people.
