Championing Mental Health: How Minnesota Aurora FC is Making a Difference This Season

Aurora Football Club is aiming for another fantastic season, hoping to stay undefeated and make a deep playoff run. However, this team is about more than just winning.

Elizabeth Overberg, a rookie defender, highlights the importance of mental health, especially for women in sports. "Often, we’re told to just get the job done and stay unemotional," she says. Overberg is used to pressure from her college days with the Gophers, but she appreciates being part of a team that prioritizes mental health.

"We play soccer because we love it. It should add joy to our lives, not take away from it," she reflects.

This season, Aurora FC has partnered with NAMI Minnesota and "We Are 8," focusing on creating a positive digital environment. Dani Young, a former professional player, leads this initiative. They’re offering mental health resources not only to players but also to fans.

Before each game, players will wear jerseys featuring the 988 suicide crisis hotline. This serves as a reminder that free help is available for anyone in distress. At the end of the season, these jerseys will be auctioned off, with the proceeds benefiting NAMI.

Additionally, each home game will start with a "mindful moment." Fans will be encouraged to set aside their devices and engage with each other. Simple gestures like high fives and words of kindness can strengthen connections.

New head coach Jen Larrick is enthusiastic about this initiative. "Sports can be intense and stressful. If we want our players to perform in front of crowds, they need support to care for themselves," she states. This effort fosters a sense of community, reminding everyone that they’re not alone in their struggles.

According to data from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), approximately one in five adults in America experienced mental illness in 2021. Programs like Aurora FC’s can play a critical role in destigmatizing these issues.

In the world of sports, mental health is a growing concern. Recent surveys show that athletes often feel pressure to perform, leading to anxiety and burnout. Initiatives like this one could set a precedent for other teams, emphasizing well-being alongside competition.

If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that help is just a call or text away. For immediate support, reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing or texting 988. Trained counselors are available 24/7 to talk.

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Minnesota Aurora FC, Mental Health