Mental Health Awareness Evening – 23 January 2025
City stars shine a light on mental wellbeing
Article by Peter Quinn.
Norwich City Fans Social Club hosted a memorable Mental Health Awareness Evening held at the Gunn Club, Carrow Road on 23 January 2025, featuring 26 local mental health organisations.
With club legend Darren Eadie leading the discussion, the event featured current Norwich City midfielder Emi Marcondes and NCFC Senior Performance Psychologist Matt Miller, who shared personal insights into the mental health challenges within professional football and their personal lives.
The night explored personal experiences, practical advice, and the importance of seeking help. While also raising £420 for the Community Sports Foundation, via the social club raffle.
The event welcomed esteemed guests including Sir Norman Lamb, Professor Steve Bazire MBE, former Chief Pharmacist for Norfolk’s mental health services; Dr. Ardyn Ross, Clinical Lead for NHS Norfolk and Waveney; Rebecca Hulme, Director of Children, Young People, and Maternity at NHS Norfolk and Waveney ICB; and Graham Johnston, a mental health lecturer and coach.
The evening began with Darren Eadie reflecting on the football team’s late-night travels after a tough game at Leeds United. “It takes a bit of time to switch off naturally from the game because your adrenaline’s still flowing.”
Marcondes candidly spoke of these challenges: “When we lose, I tend to think too much about the game. Especially night games—it’s difficult to sleep afterwards because you replay situations in your head. But it’s important to find ways to switch off and move forward.”
The discussion delved deeper into the mental resilience required to thrive in football. Marcondes shared his personal story of overcoming hardships, including family struggles and early injuries, which fueled his determination. “I’ve been through a lot, both on and off the pitch. Those experiences created a fire in me. No matter what I face, I’ll do everything possible to succeed,” he said. He also opened up about the loss of his mother at a young age: “That grief built resilience in me. It helps me deal with tough moments on the pitch because I’ve faced worse off it.”
Eadie praised Marcondes’ openness, noting its importance in setting an example for younger players. “That’s a powerful message,” he said. “You’ve faced adversity and turned it into a strength. It’s something younger players can learn from.”
Senior Performance Psychologist Matt Miller explained his role in supporting both players and staff. “The foundation of what I do is wellbeing. Long-term performance depends on individuals’ mental health,” Miller said. He emphasised the evolving culture of football, where players are now encouraged to open up. “The environment we’re trying to create enables players to feel comfortable sharing how they’re feeling. But it’s a process —there’s still work to do.”
Marcondes highlighted how cultural differences can impact a player’s experience. Recalling his move from Denmark to London, he admitted, “It was tough. I felt lonely in a big city, especially being injured and disconnected from the team. But that period helped me grow and understand my emotions better.”
Marcondes reflected on his own journey candidly: “I needed help. I already worked with a mental health coach in Denmark before that. So I knew how it could help me. But it can be very lonely, you can be alone with a lot of thoughts. I do think it’s an area where you can really grow.” He explained how learning to navigate such challenges led to personal and professional development, adding, “It was probably the biggest growth of my first period here in England.”
Eadie and Miller emphasised the importance of building resilience through difficult times. “When you’re in it, you feel like you’re never going to get out,” Eadie noted. “But actually, on the other side of it, things become easier because you build a toolkit to deal with it mentally.”
Miller echoed this, stressing the significance of support: “When you’re living through a challenging experience, it can be really tough. But if you work through it, there’s growth on the other side. It’s important to provide support both during and after the experience, helping individuals reflect and learn.”
Photo Gallery
Photographs by Tom Horne.
Darren Eadie raised the impact of social media on modern footballers. Reflecting on his own experience, Marcondes admitted, “Social media adds a pressure that wasn’t there back in the day. It’s so easy to see what people are saying about you. I try to avoid spending time on comments or messages, but sometimes, it’s impossible not to see it.”
Miller, who plays a key role in supporting Norwich City players, underscored the double-edged nature of social media. “For Premier League players, social media is part of their brand, but it’s essential to understand both its advantages and its risks. Players may pretend they don’t notice the negative comments, but deep down, those words stick. Our brains tend to remember the bad stuff over the good.”
Marcondes offered insight into how his personal journey shaped his mental fortitude. Reflecting on the loss of his mother at a young age, he said, “I grew up angry and disappointed. Football was my escape. But over time, I realised the importance of understanding my emotions and building an identity beyond being just a footballer.” He shared how his father’s support and passion for the sport motivated him to push through adversity, adding, “My dad was my hero, teaching me to stand on my own feet.”
The discussion highlighted how mental health support at Norwich City has evolved. “When I joined eight years ago, I was the only psychologist. Now, we have a team, including a clinical psychologist focusing on mental wellbeing,” said Miller. He credited the club’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment for players and staff alike.
Eadie also praised the presence of multiple mental health charities at the event, emphasising that “help is there for everybody.”
Marcondes similarly praised the football club for its forward-thinking attitude, highlighting how head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup prioritises the group’s mental wellbeing.
“When you feel good, you play good,” Marcondes noted. “It’s a very modern and innovative way of thinking. It’s not just about being a footballer—it’s about being a human being. Nowadays, there’s so much pressure, and people are becoming more aware of the effects of mental health on performance.”
Matt Miller echoed the importance of support networks, emphasising that players need connections both within and outside the football world. “Football is very transient,” Miller said. “Players and staff come and go, so having people outside the club to turn to is really important. They can offer a different perspective, which can be incredibly helpful in tough times.”
As the evening drew to a close, Eadie invited Marcondes to share advice for anyone struggling with their mental health. Marcondes encouraged the audience to speak openly about their challenges.
“In my opinion, it shouldn’t be a taboo,” he said. “Be as open as possible, and try to put your thoughts into words. Sometimes just hearing yourself say it out loud can help you process it differently, and the response you get from others can give you new perspectives.”
For details of all 26 mental health groups in attendance, download our flyer below.
