Health · Mental Health · 7 hrs ago
Football prescription scheme for mental health draws calls for wider backing
A scheme called Football on Prescription offers free tickets to live matches for people with mild to moderate depression and some other less severe conditions.
It began in August 2025 at Forest Green Rovers, a fifth-tier club in Gloucestershire.
Labour MP and former GP Simon Opher supports the scheme, which is backed by club owner Dale Vince.
Doctors recommend the matches as a form of social support rather than relying only on medication.
Participants are welcomed by regular fans, and dozens have taken part since the start of last season.
One participant said a match helped her feel less overwhelmed while caring for her mother and gave her time with her son.
The scheme has been renewed, and its backers are urging the Premier League and Football League to support it.
A pilot offering live football to support mental health has prompted calls for the Premier League and Football League to back the scheme.
Called Football on Prescription, it allows GPs to recommend live matches to people with mild to moderate depression and other less severe conditions.
The scheme was launched in August 2025 at Forest Green Rovers, a fifth-tier club in Gloucestershire.
Participants receive complimentary tickets and are welcomed by regular fans before kick-off.
Supporters say attending matches can offer a change of routine and help people feel less isolated.
- Who
- The scheme involves GPs, Forest Green Rovers and participants with mental health needs; it is backed by Labour MP and GP Simon Opher and club owner Dale Vince.
- What
- Football on Prescription offers live-match tickets as a social prescription. Vince has called for the Premier League and Football League to support it.
- When
- It launched in August 2025, and participants attended a Forest Green fixture on the Saturday aligned with World Mental Health Day.
- Where
- Forest Green Rovers in Gloucestershire.
- Why
- The scheme aims to support people with mild to moderate depression and other less severe conditions through social prescribing.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
It was just enough of a lift to really make a difference, and it did make me feel that actually I can still do some things while I’m effectively still looking after mum.
As a GP for 30 years, I have witnessed first-hand the impact that effective social prescribing can have on improving mental health and overall wellbeing.
Football on Prescription launched at fifth-tier Gloucestershire club Forest Green Rovers.
GPs recommended live matches for patients with mild to moderate depression and other less severe conditions.
Participants were invited to attend Forest Green’s fixture against Hartlepool.
- Launch
- August 2025
- Club
- Forest Green Rovers
- League level
- Fifth tier
- Ticket offer
- Complimentary match tickets
- Supporters
- Simon Opher and Dale Vince
Sources
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