Beyond the goals: Coaches provide safety net in youth mental health

As a soccer enthusiast, I couldn’t be more ecstatic about the 2026 FIFA World Cup coming to the US, and I can’t wait to see if Leo Messi can help pull it off again for Argentina.

When I was a young boy, soccer – or fútbol – was just beginning to take off in the United States. Today soccer is more popular than ever in the US, especially among young athletes. In North Carolina, the growth of youth soccer has been fueled by Charlotte FC and Major League Soccer’s presence in the state. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) is teaming up with Charlotte FC to support youth mental health through community outreach programs focused on increasing awareness and reducing stigma.

As part of its pledge to support youth mental health, resiliency and wellbeing, Blue Cross NC has invested in Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) training for community partners. In collaboration with Charlotte FC, we have helped connect youth coaches with YMHFA training – a course that helps adults identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health challenges. The need is urgent: 40% of US high school students report feeling persistently sad or hopeless and 1 in 5 have seriously considered suicide, according to a CDC report. Youth and communities are calling out for help – and we must respond.

As a parent (and one-time coach) who has seen teenage boys play soccer, I’ve seen up close how influential coaches are to the young people they work with. Coaches aren’t just helping their players develop skills to be elite performers on the field. From the sidelines, they also observe when they’re struggling off the pitch too.

Coaches’ roles in supporting young people’s health and well-being should not be overlooked. Given their importance in the day-to-day lives of our children, they can be a powerful first line of defense in our state’s youth mental health crisis. In most cases, they aren’t counselors or mental health professionals, but they recognize athletes who are distracted or lacking focus. They’re paying attention to cues that could indicate one of their players is experiencing a challenge to their well-being – any gesture of support could lead to difficult conversations. When those conversations arise, it is critical that coaches are equipped to respond effectively, providing empathy and support.

YMHFA training gives coaches the tools to:

• Identify early signs of mental health challenges
• Start supportive conversations
• Connect youth when they need help

Already, more than a dozen youth coaches completed the course to certify in YMHFA. Blue Cross NC continues to work toward a bold goal to ensure 3,700 community leaders receive training in YMHFA.

Mental health is just as important as physical health – especially for young people navigating the pressures of school, sports, and a social life. Coaches are uniquely positioned to be allies in this space and can advocate for mental wellness.

As we gear up for the excitement of the World Cup, let’s also celebrate and support the everyday champions who are shaping lives in our communities.