Surrey FA and mental health partner, Beder, have released an exclusive video series featuring players, coaches, and managers from AFC Wimbledon, Sutton United, Woking FC and Tooting & Mitcham United FC. 

Entitled ‘Team Talk with Beder’ this compelling and thought-provoking six-part series aims to use the power of football to explore the intrinsic relationship between the game and mental health. 

Powered by Capital Content and filmed over Summer 2021 with exclusive behind the scenes access, each video is centred around conversations about key footballing moments: 

Part 1: Challenges - discusses the importance of being open about any challenges that can be faced in the game and getting the support needed. 

Part 2: Behind Closed Doors - looks at how challenges are an inevitable part of life and how players, managers and coaching staff deal with them. 

Part 3: Team Spirit - shows how vulnerability is a crucial factor in building a successful team dynamic. 

Part 4: Transitions - discusses dealing with transitions in football, remaining open to opportunities and talking about experiences. 

Part 5: Community Spirit - explores the role of a football club in its local community and importance of community engagement. 

Part 6: Match Day - highlights the importance of looking after your body, settling and calming before games, the power of music and feeling under pressure. 

Speaking on the series, Surrey FA Chief Executive Officer, Sally Lockyer said: “This innovative new project demonstrates how football can open up the conversation about mental health. We are especially grateful to clubs, players, coaches, managers and staff for their openness and sharing their personal stories to help overcome the stigma surrounding mental health.” 

Beder Founder Razzak Mirjan added: “We are delighted to release ‘Team Talk with Beder – a project that we have been working on with Surrey FA since January 2021. 

“Beder was founded after the loss of my younger brother, Beder Mirjan, who sadly took his own life at the age of just 18. It was a collective decision, as a family, to start a charity in his name as, while it is not possible to rewrite history and have him here with us today, there are positives that can be found in our darkest days. 

“We wanted to move away from the more traditional partnership model and use this opportunity to connect with a range of clubs and personnel within the county to open up the conversation around mental health, whilst linking back to the value and importance that football can play in our lives for those playing at any level. 

“Surrey FA’s organisation combined with Capital Content’s professionalism, has allowed us to create some powerful media as we all play our part to softly raise awareness around the topics of mental health and suicide prevention.” 

Parts 1 and 2 of Team Talk with Beder have now launched. To watch these, head over to Surrey FA’s official YouTube channel.