FOX Sports made a groundbreaking commitment to social impact through a partnership with Common Goal USA ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia, becoming the first and only broadcaster to pledge 1% of its coverage time to telling stories of soccer for social impact through 2026. By the end of the tournament, FOX Sports had exceeded this commitment, dedicating over 6% of airtime. Continuing this initiative, FOX Sports is now working with Common Goal USA and parent company Fox Corporation to host mental health training sessions for youth soccer coaches and athletes across the United States in preparation for CONMEBOL Copa América 2024 and UEFA EURO 2024 in select host cities.
The mental health training sessions are part of Common Goal’s Create the Space initiative, which aims to provide mental health education and support within the soccer community. The initiative was launched with the backing of notable soccer stars, including Naomi Girma of the United States women’s national team and San Diego Wave FC. Girma, who tragically lost a friend to suicide, has been a vocal advocate for mental health in women’s soccer. Through Create the Space, she hopes to bring the support and guidance she received during her time of grief to coaches and players at the youth level, emphasizing the importance of emotional literacy and coping mechanisms for stress and grief.
In the first mental health training session held in Los Angeles, 60 youth participants from various nonprofit soccer organizations engaged in the program followed by a skills clinic led by soccer analysts Stu Holden and Giorgio Chiellini. Girma recognizes the significance of providing mental health resources in a safe and familiar environment like schools where youth athletes can benefit from emotional support and distressing techniques. She stresses the importance of standardizing mental health resources at the professional level as well, highlighting the need for consistent support and awareness in the soccer community.
As the focus shifts to the upcoming CONMEBOL Copa América 2024 and UEFA EURO 2024 tournaments, FOX Sports and Common Goal USA are working to extend mental health training to coaches and young athletes in various host cities, including Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, and New Jersey/New York. While most of the training will target youth athletes and coaches, Girma acknowledges that there is still work to be done in providing mental health resources at the professional level. She emphasizes the need for standardized support for athletes’ mental well-being, a measure that is crucial for promoting overall psychological health in the soccer community.
Girma’s dedication to mental health advocacy in soccer has led her to be named to the United States women’s national team roster for upcoming friendlies against South Korea, under the guidance of new coach Emma Hayes. Excited for the opportunity to work with Hayes, Girma praises her ability to build strong relationships with players and create a positive atmosphere within the team. With her experiences and passion for mental health awareness, Girma continues to be a driving force in promoting emotional well-being and support systems within the soccer community at all levels. FOX Sports and Common Goal USA’s continued commitment to social impact in soccer sets a positive example for broadcasters and sports organizations to prioritize mental health and well-being alongside athletic performance.
