DEPRESSION IN FOOTBALL

Early day motion 424, tabled 16 July 2013 by John Leech (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 16 members.

That this House notes that depression is a mental illness which can affect anyone in society, regardless of their background; recognises that the highs and lows associated with the sport of football provide a particularly conducive environment for the emergence of depression among young adults; further recognises that depression among those involved with professional football is an often overlooked problem; further notes that despite initial action in the wake of Gary Speed's suicide, limited progress has been made by the football authorities with regard to providing the correct support for sufferers of depression; further notes that sufferers of depression in football are often discouraged from seeking help due to the stigma surrounding the illness; applauds the work being done by Clarke Carlisle, Chairman of the Professional Footballers Association, to bring attention to this issue; further notes the progress being made in German football after the suicide of Robert Enke in ensuring that every club provides access to psychiatric treatment, as well as setting up a 24-hour helpline; and calls on those within the game and in Parliament to work together to put in place similar measures in British football.

Signatures by party: Labour 5, DUP 4, Liberal Democrat 3, Plaid Cymru 2, Conservative 1, Independent 1.