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The Rangers Charity Foundation recently welcomed Rangers legends and Club Ambassadors John ‘Bomber’ Brown and Mark Hateley to its Team Talk programme, offering participants a unique and inspiring opportunity to connect with two Rangers icons while continuing their own mental health journeys.

Team Talk, is one of the Foundation’s flagship initiatives and is supported by FDJ United – who operate the UNIBET and 32Red brands. The programmes are designed to support those who may be experiencing challenges with their mental wellbeing. Delivered in a safe, inclusive and non-judgemental environment, the initiative provides a space where participants can speak openly, share experiences and build meaningful social connections.

The programme has a multi-faceted approach with a 12-week in person Team Talk programme delivered by the Foundation’s in-house Trauma Counsellor, Jane McLean. Outside of this core delivery Team Talk online is available every Wednesday evening where participants can drop into a virtual call. The Foundation also offers drop-in Team Talk football sessions – open to both men and women – with a focus on both physical and mental wellbeing.

Through a combination of group discussion, peer support and optional physical activity, Team Talk aims to tackle social isolation, improve confidence and equip participants with practical tools to better manage stress, anxiety and everyday pressures. Sessions are held both in-person and online, ensuring the programme is accessible to those who need it most.

The ambassador visit brought an added dimension to the programme, with participants hearing first-hand from former striker Mark Hateley about his own experiences of pressure, resilience and the importance of opening up.

Mark Hateley said:

“I think it’s good to share stories about your life; both good and bad. Just because you’re a footballer doesn’t mean to say you’re immune from having a dip in your mental health. Everybody goes through situations in life where they face challenges that can cause additional stress and anxiety.

“I was fortunate that I had a strong network around me in friends and family. And it’s really, really important now to be able to have that network. Even if it’s not a big network, just a couple of people, even one guy or one girl that can help when you need to share how you’re feeling.

“We all have the same problems, and you need people around you to help you through that problem.”

“Whatever level of pressure you put yourself under, you still have to have coping mechanisms.”

Hateley’s honest reflections resonated strongly with participants, reinforcing one of the key messages of the programme: that mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of background or profession, and that speaking openly can be a powerful step towards recovery.

Participants Daniel and Jim also shared their personal experiences of the programme and the impact it has had on their lives.

Daniel said:

“I think on a personal level, I’ve been through quite a tough time with my mental health. So having Mark and Bomber come out gives a bit of a morale boost.

“It kind of takes our minds away from what we’re going through because we realise when we speak to these guys that have competed at a high level, we can face similar problems.

“I found Mark very informative. What he’s gone through in life, different situations that he’s gone through, he tackled them head on. Whether he was injured, whether he was out of the team or he was at a low point, he was always giving it his best and it made a difference to his state of mind.”

Jim added:

“Seeing the ambassadors coming in, it’s a tremendous lift for the day and it does take your mind off things that are bothering you.

“I’ve got epilepsy so I can’t go anywhere myself, so my wife takes me everywhere. But as for meeting people, I wasn’t meeting anybody and I wasn’t interested in meeting new people.

“But this has helped me build a bit more confidence to speak to people that I’ve never met before.”

“Team Talk has been a massive help though and the support we’ve had has been crucial in helping us tackle things that are giving us bother in our daily lives. I just can’t thank the Foundation enough for putting the Team Talk programme on for us.”

Stories like Daniel’s and Jim’s highlight the real and lasting impact of Team Talk, not only in improving mental wellbeing but also in helping individuals rebuild confidence, form new relationships and feel part of a supportive community.

The programme is specifically designed to address the barriers that can prevent men from seeking support. By creating a relaxed and informal environment, often centred around the shared interest of football, Team Talk encourages participants to open up in a way that feels natural and accessible.

The presence of Rangers ambassadors further strengthens this approach, using the club’s heritage and influence to inspire engagement and reinforce key messages around mental health and resilience. For many participants, the opportunity to interact with former players helps to break down stigma and reminds them that no one is immune to life’s challenges.

Foundation Community Programmes Manager, Jordan Boyd added:

“Team Talk is all about creating a supportive environment where men feel comfortable speaking openly about their mental health, often for the first time, and the impact we see from participants is incredibly powerful.

“We are extremely thankful to FDJ United for their support, which plays a crucial role in enabling us to deliver this programme and reach men who may otherwise not access support.

“The addition of ambassador visits is hugely beneficial. When participants hear from figures they recognise and respect, it reinforces the message that mental health challenges can affect anyone and that speaking up is a positive step forward.”

As the Rangers Charity Foundation continues to expand its work in mental health and wellbeing, Team Talk remains a vital part of its commitment to supporting individuals and communities across Glasgow.

For more information on the Team Talk programme, contact the Foundation on: rangerscharity@rangers.co.uk or visit the community programmes page for Team Talk.