A KIDS football team in Rosyth has partnered up with a men’s mental health charity to promote safe spaces for boys to turn to if they feel down.

Rosyth U17s launched their partnership with Andy’s Man Club, a charity which provides an open and judgement-free area for men to discuss how they are feeling.

This will see the Andy’s Man Club logo placed on the front of the U17s shirts for the season, while also enhancing relationships between the two organisations.

The idea came from Craig Nicol, coach for the U17s, who wanted to ensure the kids knew where they could turn to if things went wrong.

Craig said: “I’m from Kelty and there were a few local lads who took their own lives and it’s horrible.

“I’ve known what it’s like to feel really low and we figured with the stresses that the boys go through, it’s hard for them.

“We thought we’d raise awareness for men’s mental health and we also needed new strips, we then donated them to Andy’s Man Club.

“We wanted to do some good and raise awareness for this – we know our kids aren’t old enough to use that facility yet.

“We wanted to let the boys know that they can talk to the coaches – we’re there for them the same way Andy’s Man Club is there for adults.”

While the kids aren’t old enough yet to use Andy’s Man Club, the partnership will serve to show encouragement in speaking out.

Three volunteers from Andy’s Man Club  - Ian Hounsome, Stewart Mckenzie and Paul Bruce -visited the team in Rosyth to share their own experiences of poor mental health.

TIME TO TALK: Andy's Man Club volunteers spoke to the kids at the club.TIME TO TALK: Andy's Man Club volunteers spoke to the kids at the club. (Image: Rosyth U17s)

Craig added: “Having the guys come down from Andy’s Man Club was great, they shared their experiences of being terrified to go in to make that initial step.

“Once they did it, it was a great weight off their shoulders – the boys really listened and took it in as well.

“It was quite sad listening to their stories but it’s good for the boys to hear. In private, you never know what they’re going through.

“It’s great that they were really taking notes and engaging with it.”

Andy’s Man Club is open to all men over the age of 18, offering weekly peer-to-peer support groups for those struggling with poor mental health.

It was started by the family of Andy Roberts, who launched the charity after their family member took his own life.

The club liaised with Kenny Armour, area lead for Andy’s Man Club in Fife, who spoke about the importance of raising awareness among teenage boys.

He said: “The club got in touch with us in regards to getting our logo put on the strips and we were more than happy to help out.

“Last week, three volunteers went along and had a wee discussion with the players discussing mental health and what Andy’s Man Club is.

“An important point at that age is to get them talking and as men, we’re not very good at talking so it’s good for us to get in among the teams and raise awareness.

“As much as they can’t access the clubs as they’re under 18, it’s about encouraging them to talk and hopefully, they won’t need a club like ours but at least they know it’s out there.”