As Mental Health Awareness Week shines a spotlight on the importance of taking action to support mental wellbeing, Cainscross RFC is proud to highlight Heads Up, the club’s own mental health and wellbeing initiative for its thriving Minis and Juniors section.
Originally launched during Children’s Mental Health Week in February, Heads Up has now been rolled out across the club’s entire youth section, supporting young players both on and off the pitch.
For Cainscross RFC, rugby has always been about far more than results on a Sunday morning. As a community club established in 1894, it has long believed that feeling part of a team, building friendships and having a place where you belong can play a powerful role in a child’s confidence and wellbeing.
Heads Up was created by the club to reinforce positive messages around talking openly, understanding emotions and developing healthy coping strategies. While many children hear these messages at school, the initiative aims to ensure those conversations continue within the club environment, helping to create a culture where mental health is openly discussed and fully supported.
The idea for Heads Up was originally developed by Cainscross RFC Tots coaches Sadie and Aimee, before being shaped into a wider club initiative with the support of the club’s coaching team and committee.
Two age-appropriate resource packs have been designed by the club, one for younger Minis and one for older Minis and Juniors. Each player receives a Heads Up drawstring bag, badge, wristband, stickers and a letter for parents or carers.
Younger players also receive a poster and flashcards, while older players receive a wellbeing guide and conversation starter resource designed to encourage discussion at home.
Cainscross RFC Chairman Adam Carter said:“At Cainscross, we pride ourselves on being a family club. We want every child who pulls on a Cainscross shirt to feel that this is their place.
“Heads Up is about supporting our minis and juniors not just as rugby players, but as people, helping them grow in confidence, resilience and self-belief.”
The initiative reflects the club’s wider commitment to developing not only confident rugby players, but happy, healthy young people who feel supported in every aspect of their lives.
By launching Heads Up, Cainscross RFC hopes to show that grassroots sports clubs can play an important role in supporting children’s mental wellbeing and in turning awareness into meaningful action.
To find out more about Cainscross RFC’s minis and juniors, email cainscrossminis@gmail.com or check out their Facebook page – Cainscross RFC Minis & Juniors.
