On June 20, 2024, Major League Soccer (MLS) officially launched a comprehensive player wellness initiative aimed at addressing the mental health challenges faced by athletes. The program, which has been in development for over a year, combines counseling, mindfulness training, and peer support systems to create a well-rounded mental health support network for MLS players.
The MLS player wellness initiative marks a significant step in the league’s commitment to supporting player mental health, following increasing concerns about the pressures professional athletes face in high-profile sports. The program is designed to provide athletes with the resources they need to maintain their mental health, especially given the intense schedules, travel demands, and public scrutiny that accompany professional soccer.
The initiative includes a number of critical components: personalized counseling services, group therapy sessions, mindfulness and stress management programs, and a peer-to-peer support network where players can talk to others who understand their experiences. The program also offers access to sports psychologists who can help athletes deal with performance anxiety, burnout, and any other mental health challenges they may encounter throughout the season.
Don Garber, MLS Commissioner, stressed the league’s commitment to fostering a healthy environment for its athletes. “We recognize that mental health is just as important as physical health for our players, and this initiative is designed to ensure that they have the resources and support they need to thrive both on and off the field,” Garber said during the official announcement.
Dr. Emily Turner, who has worked with professional athletes across various sports, will lead the program. She has highlighted the importance of reducing the stigma around mental health in sports. “For too long, athletes have been expected to cope with mental strain without support. This program provides the resources and validation they need, ensuring they can perform at their best without sacrificing their mental well-being.”
The program has been met with widespread support from players, coaches, and staff alike. Players, through the MLS Players Association, have praised the initiative as a critical step toward reducing the stigma surrounding mental health in the sport. With the increasing awareness of mental health challenges in professional sports, MLS is setting a precedent for other leagues to follow.
The new program is seen as a necessary and timely move to ensure the holistic health of MLS athletes, and it could serve as a model for other leagues worldwide to prioritize mental health as part of their player development and well-being strategies.
