Game On for Mental Health: Movember’s Focus on Young Men & Sport
At Movember, we’re known for our iconic moustaches and our unwavering commitment to men’s health. But did you know that we’re also leading efforts to use sport as a platform for transformative mental health support for youth in Canada? Our global Ahead of the Game (AOTG) program has gained traction, and through the Canadian Sports Health Initiative, we’re committed to reshaping how young men’s mental health is viewed and supported through sports.
What is Ahead of the Game (AOTG)?
AOTG is a mental health literacy and resilience-building program for youth aged 12 to 18 and their support networks, including parents and coaches. It empowers them to recognize the signs of poor mental health, engage in conversations about mental health challenges, and seek help when needed. Developed by experts from the University of Wollongong, AOTG is the only youth mental health literacy program endorsed by a comprehensive review commissioned by the Australian Football League in 2020, supported by 5-year international program of scientific evidence.
Why Sport?
Sport isn’t just a pastime—it’s a lifeline for many young people. It creates community, fosters resilience, and provides critical social support. For many young athletes, the field is where they feel seen, valued, and empowered. But for some, the pressure and stigma can lead to isolation and silent struggles. Real stories like that of Canadian Olympian Clara Hughes or former Toronto Raptors basketball star Demar DeRozan, who openly shared their battle with depression, highlight the dual-edged sword that sport can represent. With suicide as the second leading cause of death among young men in Canada, it’s clear that more proactive and innovative prevention systems are needed.
Our Canadian Journey is just beginning
In 2024, Movember began laying the groundwork for significant change through key initiatives, such as our Youth Mental Health & Sport Convening in Calgary Alberta. This gathering brought together experts from research, mental health, and sports organizations to share ideas and craft solutions.
We’re building a collective of leaders to embed mental health support into youth sports and transform them into safe spaces where resilience and mental fitness are cultivated alongside athletic skills.
Looking Ahead: The Youth Mental Health & Sport Convening – Toronto, ON
Mark your calendars for February 10th, 2025, when Movember will host its next significant event at MLSE LaunchPad in Toronto. This convening will deepen the impact of the Calgary event, engaging a broader range of stakeholders, including leaders in sports organizations, mental health advocates, and academic researchers. We hope to create an actionable roadmap that leverages sports as a catalyst for positive mental health outcomes for young men in Canada.
We’ll use this event to share best practices, identify what’s missing, and develop strategies that can be applied nationwide. We’re aiming for programs like Ahead of the Game to be widely adopted, while we continue shaping comprehensive Mental Health Guidelines for Youth Recreational Sport tailored to Canadian needs.
Why This Matters for Young Men
The stakes are particularly high for young men in Canada, who often face societal pressures that prevent them from seeking help. By normalizing conversations about mental health and building supportive environments, we hope to prevent tragedies and empower young men to face challenges head-on. A powerful statistic reminds us why: boys and young men aged 15-24 have a suicide rate nearly three times higher than their female-identifying peers. Initiatives that provide support through the relatable, accessible, and structured environment of sport can make a life-changing difference.
Ready to Make a Difference? Join Us at our Youth Sport & Mental Health Panel
We need everyone—coaches, athletes, researchers, policymakers, and community leaders—to be part of this mission. Your voice and support are key to endorse and enhance youth mental health outcomes in Canada. Join us in creating a future where sport isn’t just about competition but about community, well-being, and resilience.
Movember will be facilitating a ground-breaking panel brining together leaders of sport, charity, and public health to discuss how we can innovate the way we care for our youth – providing them the tools they need to thrive on and off the field. You can look forward to hearing from Stuart McReynolds: Vice-President, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, Marika Warner: Director of Research & Evaluation, MLSE Launchpad, Dr. Cheril Bradish: Founding Director of the Future of Sport Lab and Director of Sport Business Initiatives at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), Michelle Carlson: Director, Young Men’s Health, Movember North America, and a Youth Athlete Representative: A young leader in sport sharing their lived experiences and perspectives on the impact of mental health and sports on youth.The Panel will be held at DMZ in Toronto from 5 pm – 7 pm. Click here to learn more and RSVP to the event.
Ensuring the power of sport is harnessed for good
Movember’s dedication to young men’s mental health goes far beyond our moustaches. It’s about championing resilience, building stronger communities, and ensuring that the power of sport is harnessed for good. As we move forward, especially with our upcoming Toronto convening, we are excited to see how collective action can turn ideas into real, lasting change for young men across Canada.
In Closing
Movember’s dedication to young men’s mental health goes far beyond our moustaches. It’s about championing resilience, building stronger communities, and ensuring that the power of sport is harnessed for good. As we move forward, especially with our upcoming Toronto convening, we are excited to see how collective action can turn ideas into real, lasting change for young men across Canada.
To learn more or get involved, visit our Ahead of the Game page on Movember.com