Mental health is one of the most critical public health challenges of our time, affecting nearly one billion people worldwide and contributing to the strain on national health care systems around the world. While traditional treatments such as therapy and medication remain essential, there is growing recognition of the power of sport—particularly football given its global popularity—in supporting mental well-being. The European Culture and Sport Organization (ECOS) is at the forefront of this movement, using football to promote social inclusion, emotional resilience and psychological recovery. Founded in 2017, ECOS runs projects that integrate football into mental health programs, demonstrating how the game can help alleviate anxiety and depression, rebuild self-confidence, and foster a sense of belonging for those who often feel excluded from society.

In an interview with ECOS President Valerio Di Tommaso, we explore how football provides the conditions necessary to improve both physical and mental health. More than just a sport, football offers structure, routine, and social connection—key elements in maintaining emotional well-being. Programs such as Crazy for Football and the European Alliance for Sport and Mental Health (EASMH) have shown that regular participation in football can enhance mood, lower stress levels, and create safe spaces where individuals can feel supported. For people experiencing social marginalization—such as those with mental health conditions, refugees, or young offenders—football serves as a bridge back into the community, breaking down stigma and offering a renewed sense of purpose. As discussions continue about the role of football clubs in society, ECOS’s work provides compelling evidence that sport should be recognized as a vital component of mental health care, not just in Europe but globally.

Bonito: Valerio, thanks so much for joining us on the Bonito platform!

Valerio: Thanks so much for having us- we are always happy to collaborate with Bonito and talk about the beautiful game.

Bonito: Could you please tell us a bit about the background of the European Culture and Sport Organization (ECOS)- when and why was it founded and how it works?

Valerio: The European Culture and Sport Organization (ECOS) was established  in 2017 and is recognized by the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) through its affiliation with the sports promotion body OPES, which aims to develop projects and initiatives related to sports, culture, and all transversal activities—both direct and indirect—that use sports and culture as tools for economic and social growth.

Our main focus at ECOS is to carry out national, European, and international projects aimed at fostering integration and psychosocial well-being, preventing and combating individual difficulties and various forms of marginalization, with a special focus on minors, young people, and all socially vulnerable individuals.

The organization is particularly active in European programs and operates in various thematic areas, with a special focus on using sports and culture to enhance the psychological and physical well-being of individuals facing psychosocial challenges. The primary beneficiaries of ECOS projects are people experiencing hardship and social marginalization, such as individuals with mental health issues, young offenders, refugees, and immigrants.

Each project is implemented by a team of professionals based on the studies and research of a scientific committee composed of experts in the medical, sports, and social fields. The projects are carried out in partnership with universities, organizations, and national, European, and international institutions to achieve the best possible results in each specific area of action.

Bonito: The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that nearly 1 billion people globally experience some form of mental health disorder. Yet, mental health often receives significantly less attention and resources from governments compared to physical health, despite the clear connection between the two. In this context, what role can sports play in bridging this gap and supporting mental well-being?

Valerio: Sport can play a fundamental role in bridging the gap between mental and physical health, serving as a powerful tool for holistic well-being. Firstly, physical activity is recognized as an effective means to reduce stress, improve mood, and prevent anxiety and depression. By triggering the release of endorphins and other beneficial neurotransmitters, sport contributes to enhancing mood and alleviating symptoms associated with mental health disorders.

Moreover, sport fosters social inclusion and strengthens community bonds, providing individuals with a sense of belonging and support. In vulnerable contexts, such as for young offenders, refugees, or individuals with mental health issues, sport creates a safe space to experience positive relationships, develop personal skills, and rebuild self-confidence.

From a prevention perspective, sport can be integrated into mental health promotion programs, both as part of therapeutic interventions and as a tool for raising awareness. Through structured activities combined with psycho-educational approaches, it is possible to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and drive cultural change in how these issues are perceived.

Bonito: Your organization stands out for its diverse range of EU-level programs centered on sports and mental health, including initiatives like Crazy for Football, Dream Euro Cup, European Alliance for Sport and Mental Health, and Energy. Could you provide more details about these programs and share the impact they’ve had on improving the mental health of the communities you serve?

Valerio: The Crazy for Football project is the first national five-a-side football team for people with mental health issues. Established in 2016, it has participated in two World Championships and one European Championship. The team, conceived by psychiatrist Dr. Santo Rullo, aims to promote the inclusion of sports in psychiatric rehabilitation programs and launch a communication campaign against the stigma of mental illness. The team members come from various Italian cities and gather periodically for training sessions. As part of the project, new player selections and social responsibility matches with companies—known as the Crazy Challenges—are also organized. The impact on the players participating in the project has been very positive: being part of the National Team motivates them to train regularly in their cities, which positively affects their psychophysical well-being.

The DEC project is the first European five-a-side football championship for people with mental health issues. It took place in Rome in September 2024 and involved 12 teams from across Europe. Alongside the championship, a scientific conference was held where representatives from participating nations discussed the role of sports as a complementary tool to pharmacological therapies.

The EASMH project created a network of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and sports professionals such as coaches, athletes, and sports managers, to jointly define new integrated models for safeguarding physical and mental health. As part of the EASMH project, training materials and tools were developed for sports instructors and healthcare professionals to promote the benefits of sports for the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of psychiatric disorders.

Bonito: Recent research, particularly in the UK, where the football governance bill is under discussion, explores how to quantify the value a football club brings to its community. In terms of mental health, would you agree that football clubs (and sports more broadly) play a crucial role in providing essential services that not only support mental well-being but also save the state resources that might otherwise be spent addressing societal challenges related to mental health?

Valerio: Yes, we absolutely agree that football teams and sports, in general, play a crucial role in supporting mental well-being and alleviating the burden on state resources allocated to addressing social challenges related to mental health. Our organization, ECOS, actively promotes the idea that sport should be used as a complementary tool in treatment pathways for mental health issues and other psychosocial challenges.

Sport, including football, is not just a physical activity but a powerful means of social inclusion, a channel to reduce stigma, and an opportunity to build positive relationships within communities. Additionally, sports are essential as a preventive tool: they promote psychological and physical balance, reduce stress and anxiety levels, and help prevent the worsening of situations of distress.

Through our projects, we work to demonstrate how sport can complement and enhance traditional approaches to mental health, providing benefits both at the individual and societal levels. We believe that investing in sport as a tool for prevention and care is a strategic choice to improve people’s well-being and optimize public resources.

Bonito: At Bonito, we often explore football’s unique ability to unite people. Feeling part of a community is vital for mental well-being. In a country like Italy, how does football contribute to fostering this sense of belonging—whether through participation in physical activity, membership in a local club, or even being part of a supporters’ group? Do you believe football can effectively fulfill a part of this need for connection and community?

Valerio: In Italy, football is much more than a sport—it is a key element of culture and collective identity. Through participation in physical activity, belonging to a local club, or supporting a team, football fosters a strong sense of connection and community. Stadiums, fields, and shared moments among fans become spaces of inclusion and belonging.

I believe football fulfills a deep need for connection and social cohesion, making it a powerful tool not only for entertainment but also for well-being and inclusion.

Bonito: Where do you see the future for the sport for mental health field? what kinds of projects do you see coming in the next round of EU funding?

Valerio: The future of the sport for mental health field is incredibly promising, with growing recognition at both national and European levels of the vital role physical activity plays in mental well-being. We anticipate a stronger integration of sport into public health policies, education systems, and workplace well-being initiatives.

In the next round of EU funding, we expect to see projects that focus on innovative and inclusive approaches to using sport as a tool for mental health. Programs like Erasmus+, CERV and Horizon Europe will continue to play a vital role in supporting these initiatives. As a non-profit organization, we look forward to leveraging these opportunities to design impactful projects that make sport a fundamental pillar of mental health promotion across Europe.

Bonito: What role do you see professional football players (and athletes in general) in the fight for mental health awareness through sport?

Valerio: We believe the role of professional football players and athletes in general is crucial in fighting the stigma surrounding mental health and promoting its care. As public figures and role models for many, athletes have the opportunity to raise awareness about these issues, showing that taking care of one’s mental health is normal and necessary, just like taking care of physical health.

Many people are afraid or hesitant to talk about mental health, often due to prejudice or shame. By sharing their own experiences and speaking openly about these topics, athletes can help normalize the conversation and encourage others to seek help. Their visibility can be a powerful tool to drive cultural change, emphasizing that mental health is an integral part of a person’s overall well-being.

Ultimately, athletes can inspire not only through their sports performances but also through their commitment to breaking taboos and promoting greater awareness and accessibility to mental health care.

Bonito: Valerio, thanks so much for joining us!

Valerio: My pleasure and keep up the good work!

Across Europe’s shores, a harrowing reality unfolds daily as countless migrants undertake perilous journeys in search of safety and opportunity. Fleeing war, persecution, and economic despair, they risk everything. For many the arrival in a new country is only the beginning of another battle—facing hostility, bureaucratic hurdles, and a desperate fight for belonging. In this era of unprecedented displacement, the plight of migrants calls for urgent action, empathy, and inclusive solutions that honor the courage it takes to seek a better life.

In this world where borders often divide and cultures can feel worlds apart, football is uniting. Few initiatives capture this better than I Speak Football, a program that uses the universal appeal of the beautiful game to bridge gaps between migrants and their new communities. Born from the belief that football transcends language, nationality, and background, I Speak Football is a lifeline for migrants navigating the challenges of displacement, offering them not just a place to play but a platform to belong. They show that football truly is a universal language.

As we mark International Migrants Day, I Speak Football stands as a testament to football’s unique ability to create connections and foster inclusion. Through its grassroots approach, the program empowers young migrants to build friendships, develop skills, and integrate into society—all through the simple, yet profound act of playing the game. It’s more than football; it’s a movement of hope, acceptance, and community.

Djibril Ayofe, founded I Speak Football five years ago, inspired by his personal struggles learning English as a migrant from The Ivory Coast. Traditional classroom methods were tough for the Ivorian turned UK resident, but he discovered that communication on the football pitch came naturally. Combining language learning with the sport he loves, Djibril created a project that makes learning accessible, fun, and engaging for migrants facing similar challenges. Driven by his own journey, he is now determined to ensure others have a smoother path toward integration, language skills, and a sense of belonging. Djibril was nice enough to share both his story and his vision for the future of his project with the Bonito Platform.

Bonito: Djibril, thank you so much for joining us on this International Migrants Day to speak about your wonderful program. Can you share your personal journey and how did your passion for football inspire you to create the I Speak Football program?

Djibril: I moved to the UK 9 years ago from the Ivory Coast. Thats a big change in culture and language. I was 17 years old, loved playing football, but speaking English as a second language made it challenging to take part in football activities with the other kids. Together with some friends we set up I Speak Football™ to support other young migrants and refugees to improve their English through football sessions that incorporate English language classes.

Bontio: Often migrants who come to a new contry face so many difficulties including communicating in a new language- thats where football can step in- what is it about football that seems to make it such a universal language no matter where you come from?

Djibril: For me, the game is the centre of anything we do, it’s exciting and always changing. It’s different in each country yet the same. I think that makes it like language. I know that wherever I have been I can go to a place and understand it. I also know that when I want to play well, I need to be able to communicate, and communicate quickly. This forces me to learn things that can help me succeed. I love the feeling of being part of a team and having a common goal, I want everyone that joins I Speak Football to feel that in their hearts. That we belong.

Bonito: How important is it for newcomers to have a safe and productive environment to learn the local language of their new country?

Djibril: Its very important but not just about the language- As migrants, it can feel like we have left the harder times behind, but unfortunately for many of us it still is quite difficult in our new countries. We are happy for the opportunity to learn the language and contribute to our new communities but we still carry baggage- the scars left behind from our journey. Working with experts in trauma-informed approaches has taught me a lot about how to approach sensitive issues, and also when to approach them. It has to be led by the individual and at their own pace. Many of the people that play don’t want to talk about their trauma, and that’s OK, but some do want to discuss it. We aren’t social workers or psychologists but we make sure we listen so that I Speak Football is a positive experience. 

Bonito: Can you tell us about the I Speak Football program in more detail and how it addresses the many barriers that new arrivals to countries often face in their efforts to integrate?

Djibril: Although the core of the program is language, mental health and football, we have quickly seen that our beneficiaries also need support in study readiness and employability skills. That’s why we’ve adapted some methodologies to have employability sessions as well as language sessions, and have added CV and interview workshops either as online sessions or in person to help them thrive in the community. With “the ball as the hook” we can do so much for these young people and help them integrate in their new communities. 

Bonito: The journey that many immigrants face in moving to their new countries often presents a tremendous strain on mental health- how does football help to improve that and to build further resilience going forward?

Djibril: I don’t know about other migrants, but for me it was an escape, somewhere I could go to feel comfortable and confident. It didn’t cost me much money, and no-one bothered me on the football pitch. Especially at first, it was the only place I felt OK. As I stayed longer here, it also gave me a sense of identity, Djibril the football player, Djibril the captain, and now Djibril from I Speak Football. I hope it provides other people that safe space, and a set of peers to learn and rely on- just like it has for me. We all need a safe lace to be authentic and feel we belong.

Bonito: Reflecting on your journey in football, is there a particular moment or experience that profoundly touched you and reinforced your commitment to this work?

Djibril:  Getting the coaching from the Chelsea FC, and Fulham FC coaches was amazing! Just knowing those people got to work with other Africans and amazing footballers was really inspiring. Many people come to the UK to play football and to have that support and see that badge was amazing for me. Watching new migrants come, and be shy, then grow more confident is really amazing for me- especially as I used to be very shy! 

Bonito: Where do you see this project developing over the next years? what are the plans for the future and for expanding?

Djibril: We are really excited for 2025, with new partners including GOALs, Loughborough University and others. We have fundraising targets for sessions in Chingford, Wembley and Camden. As well as expanding to areas where we can use I Speak Football as a tool to bring communities together. We think the riots this year showed that communities have a lot of problems, and football should be used as a tool to bring them together. So we want to add areas outside London, and especially those places dealing with lots of migration. We also have applied for funding to develop I Speak Football in Europe and America, and even a pilot with a wonderful basketball coach to start I Speak Basketball in Easter 2025. We have big plans, but are still learning. 

Bonito: How important are partnerships to a program like yours? local communities, mental health experts, language teachers- it feels like you need to have a really wide ranging team?

Djibril: We think of I Speak Football being a trio of language, football, and refugee/trauma-informed approaches. For each of these corners of the triangle we work with experts, and local representatives. We know that what might work in one area might not be right for others, or for different types of migrants. So we start by mapping partners, and working with refugee organisations to understand what are the barriers for integration in their community. Where possible we always try to work with local councils, mosques, churches, schools, and families to make sure we’re delivering what is really needed. We have to do this with local expert partners, so we do all of this through a trio partnership model in each area. The only core expertise is our board of directors, our technical football, refugee, and ESOL experts, and our amazing Refugee Advisory Board who meet each month to give us feedback and help us improve our programme delivery.

Bonito: we really congratulate you Djibril for this exciting program and cant wait to see it expand in the future- thanks so much for joining us today!

Djibril: Thanks so much for the platform on such an important day!

 

In the heart of Hull, a group of refugees and asylum seekers is finding a new home on the football field through Acorn FC. Supported by Sport England’s Active Through Football program, funded by the National Lottery and delivered by the Football Foundation.

Acorn FC is more than a club—it’s a family. Founded by Maureen Mulligan and Anei Akon, who named the team after his family name meaning “acorn,” Acorn FC has become a symbol of resilience and community.

In a powerful testament to football’s unifying spirit, Acorn FC in Hull stands as a pioneering force. The team, the first of its kind led by and for asylum seekers and refugees, was born from one young man’s simple request: a ball. Anei Akon and Maureen Mulligan met through Hull’s Welcome House, a charity supporting refugees. Anei’s desire to play football, combined with Maureen’s determination to help, led to the founding of Acorn FC. Through the support of Active Through Football, a consortium funded by Sport England and led by the Football Foundation, Acorn FC began to grow.

Today, the club represents more than a football team—it’s a family. With over 100 players from twelve nationalities, Acorn FC trains regularly, breaking barriers and building friendships that go beyond the pitch. The team’s journey to official affiliation with the East Riding County FA, overcoming traditional barriers of residency and financial support, is a result of collaborative efforts from Tigers Trust, Hull University, and the East Riding County FA. This strong network enabled the team to secure essentials like a pitch, gear, and even a 3G field at Hull University, leading to Acorn FC’s debut victory of 10-2.

The initiative, as part of the Football Foundation’s five-year commitment, has created a model for “football for good,” demonstrating how the sport can be a transformative tool in communities. The roots of Acorn FC have taken hold, providing structure, support, and a place for young players to dream and belong. This success highlights what can happen when football is used not just as a sport but as a social force for positive change.