News

The Rangers Charity Foundation’s Team Talk programme continues to provide a welcoming space for people to improve their mental wellbeing, build friendships and connect with others, with the programme supported by FDJ United.

Delivered by the Foundation, Team Talk uses the power of football, conversation and peer support to help participants build confidence, strengthen social connections and develop practical ways of managing challenges in everyday life.

The free weekly programme provides a safe and non-judgemental environment where participants can talk openly, share experiences and support one another, while a range of sessions gives people different ways to get involved.

For many participants, Team Talk also provides an opportunity to reconnect with others and develop friendships, helping to tackle loneliness and social isolation.

One such participant is Graeme, who has experienced first-hand the positive impact Team Talk can have. His participation on the programme is explored in a new video case study accompanying this release, where he shares his journey of getting involved and the difference Team Talk has made to his life.

Graeme said: “I always felt very supported through Team Talk. One thing that sticks in my mind is when I had a particularly tough week and was feeling really low. I had mentioned that on the weekly call and after that, during the week, I was getting messages from other participants asking if I was doing okay and that really meant a lot to me because I realised that people actually cared.

“I don’t know that I’ve had my last session with Team Talk, if I ever felt down again, I would jump on that call and get involved. I would recommend it to anyone, and I know it can be a bit of a cliché but the most important thing I learned is that it’s okay to talk and it’s important to share how you’re feeling.”

Team Talk is delivered by the Foundation as part of its commitment to improving health and wellbeing within the community.

Foundation Community Programmes Manager Jordan Boyd has seen the impact of the programme through his work with participants and the relationships built through Team Talk over the years.

Jordan said: “For me, Team Talk is one of the most important programmes we deliver.

“In all honesty, Team Talk has saved lives and that’s the kind of impact it can have on people.”

“It’s surreal to think that sitting down for a chat or logging into an online call can have that level of impact, but it just shows how important Team Talk is.

“I’d like to say a massive thank you to the team at FDJ United because their support over the years has been unbelievable. If it wasn’t for their support, we wouldn’t be able to make this big of a difference for those who might need it.”

Rangers legend and club ambassador Mark Hateley has also seen the positive impact of Team Talk and the sense of community it creates among participants.

Mark Hateley added: “Football has always been about being part of a team, and Team Talk shows that the same is true in everyday life. The programme acts as a network that helps people rebuild confidence, support one another and realise they don’t have to face life’s challenges alone. It’s really important that the Foundation, supported by FDJ United, delivers an initiative that has such a positive impact on people’s lives. My message is not to be shy or afraid to speak up.”

Football can provide a powerful way for people to connect with one another, and Rangers and Scotland goalkeeper Liam Kelly believes Team Talk demonstrates the positive impact that connection can have beyond the pitch.

Liam said: “Football has an incredible ability to bring people together, and Team Talk is a great example of that. It’s inspiring to see how the club uses the programme to create friendships, encourage honest conversations and give people a real sense of belonging. Everyone connected to Team Talk should be proud of the difference it’s making in our community.”

The continued support of FDJ United – the parent company of Unibet, the club’s Principal Partner, and Official Training Kit Partner, 32 Red – plays an important role in enabling the Foundation to deliver Team Talk and ensure that participants can access the programme free of charge.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting mental wellbeing and helping people to build connections, confidence and a stronger sense of belonging within their community.

Sam Mead, UK General Manager for FDJ United said: “We are incredibly proud of our longstanding relationship with Rangers, and of our continued support for the Rangers Charity Foundation and its Team Talk programme.

“For us, a long-term football club partnership should be about more than what happens on the pitch. Team Talk is a great example of the positive impact football can have within its community, creating a safe and welcoming environment where people can talk openly, build relationships and access support. Seeing the difference the programme makes to people’s lives underlines why Team Talk is such an important part of our relationship with Rangers.”

Team Talk offers a number of ways for people to get involved, including virtual sessions, in-person support and football sessions. The different elements of the programme provide opportunities for participants to engage through conversation, physical activity and peer support.

The Foundation’s virtual Team Talk sessions take place on Wednesday evenings from 6pm to 8pm, while Team Talk Football which takes place on Monday evenings at the Ibrox Community Complex, provides an opportunity to combine football and mental wellbeing support.

The Foundation encourages anyone who feels that Team Talk could benefit them to get in touch and find out more about the programme.

For more information about Team Talk or to register your interest, please contact the Rangers Charity Foundation on: rangerscharity@rangers.co.uk