Player-Driven Project Aims to Further Education and Understanding of Mental Health Challenges in Sports
SAN ANTONIO (May 19, 2023) – San Antonio FC is partnering with San Antonio-based non-profit Form Communities to launch the Bring Your Own Energy Initiative as part of Mental Health Awareness Month, the club announced today. The phrase “bring your own energy” was coined by SAFC captains Connor Maloney and Justin Dhillon, and means that “no matter how you are feeling at that moment in time, bring that energy and we will make sure that we hear you, we see you, and we are with you.”
“My mental health has been something I have struggled with and have worked intentionally on throughout my career. Justin and I are committed to becoming more educated along with the community and collaborating to raise money and provide resources to those who need them,” said Maloney. “We want to help anyone who may be working through their own mental health-related struggles and help break the stigma surrounding mental health. Our goal is to raise awareness for those grappling with their own mental health to let them know that we see them, we hear them, and we are with them.”
The initiative includes player-created t-shirts which are on sale now at SanAntonioFC.com. Additionally, all San Antonio FC players will wear Bring Your Own Energy warmup tops prior to the team’s Health and Wellness Night on June 3, with the signed shirts being auctioned after the match. All proceeds from both sales will be donated to Form Communities.
“Mental health is recently gaining the traction and importance it deserves. I think everyone at a point in their lives may experience a struggle in mental health, or they know somebody that may be struggling. Our mission in this project is to not only raise awareness, funds and resources for people struggling but also to understand and educate ourselves and our community on the importance of mental health and the many different outlets and resources that are available to help,” said Dhillon. “This project is something that Connor and I have spoken to each other about a lot and wanted to find and incorporate new ways to make a difference.”
The club has also created a webpage featuring player testimonials, mental health resources and contact information for mental health organizations.
“Struggles in mental health are prevalent in professional locker rooms just as much as any other field. I think even people that are not struggling can learn so much from the different resources we are promoting and allow each other the education and guidance in how we can show up for one another,” Dhillon added. “When humans show up for each other the whole world reaps the benefits.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988, or chat at 988LifeLine.org.
About Form Communities
Form Communities believes that wellness is only achieved through connection – to others and to ourselves. We are a 501(c)3 organization based in San Antonio that focuses on creating spaces where people can come together to support each other’s mental health and well-being. We accomplish this by either directly creating the spaces ourselves or by helping others to do so. As an organization and as individuals, we believe in the value of every person’s lived experience and the power it holds when given a space to be shared.