Bedford Athletic Rugby Club has announced a new partnership with local psychotherapist Kerry Batten, who will provide confidential mental health support to players and members as part of a wider push to promote wellbeing within the club.
The partnership marks a significant step for the club, aiming to foster an open, supportive environment where players feel able to discuss mental health challenges without stigma, an issue that remains particularly sensitive in male-dominated sports.
According to research by Mind, one in four people experience a mental health problem each year, and athletes are no exception. In male-dominated sports such as rugby, stigma and cultural expectations can make it harder for players to talk openly or seek help.
Under the new initiative, Kerry will offer her services directly to club members, creating a safe, confidential space for players to discuss pressures they may face on and off the pitch.
With extensive experience supporting people in high-pressure environments, Kerry said she understands the unique mental and emotional demands that athletes experience.
“I am thrilled to be partnering with Bedford Athletic Rugby Club to offer mental health support to their members,” she said. “Rugby is a physically demanding sport, but it’s just as important to support the mental health of players.
Through these sessions, I hope players will feel more empowered and equipped to navigate challenges both within the sport and in their personal lives.”
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Culture of openness
The partnership aligns with the club’s broader commitment to creating a safe, inclusive and family-friendly environment.
Club leaders say they hope the initiative will encourage others to seek help when needed and reinforce the message that mental health is a vital part of overall well-being.
Club chairman, Trevor Mulvaney, said: “We are extremely grateful to Kerry for her generosity and for taking the initiative to provide her professional services to our players. Mental health has often been an overlooked aspect of the athletic experience, especially for men.
This partnership is about making sure our players know it’s okay to ask for help and to talk about their struggles.”
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Lauren Troiano, commercial manager at Bedford Athletic, added: “This is a game-changer for the team, and I feel especially proud of them for welcoming Kerry into the club.
“The Ath has always been a family-friendly club, and it’s wonderful to see that same spirit of care and support reflected in this partnership.”
The club hopes that by leading the conversation on mental wellbeing, others within the local sporting community will be inspired to take similar steps to support players’ mental health.
