It all began with a gesture of generosity from one Wellington Phoenix academy coach. But what followed was a chain reaction; a commitment from the club’s players, staff and fans alike to an initiative set to have a ‘huge impact’ on the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand.
Grace Wisnewski’s withdrawal from her side’s Liberty A-League clash with Melbourne Victory on Friday, February 4 for mental health reasons was the catalyst for a wave of online support as the club threw its arms around the teenage ‘Nix midfielder.
Wellington Phoenix Academy goalkeeping coach Ruben Parker expressed his pride in Wisnewski’s decision to prioritise her mental health over football, committing a $100 donation from his goalkeeping school for each goal scored in the club’s next game, which ended 2-0 in favour of the Victory.
Phoenix assistant coach Natalie Lawrence decided to take Parker’s initiative down another route, committing $50 per goal scored by her side to the end of the season.
It was an idea which resonated with the likes of head coach Gemma Lewis, Phoenix performance analyst Alice Noyer, an array of the club’s fans – and star midfielder Chloe Knott, whose background in the mental health space made it a no-brainer for her to jump on board and support the cause.
“I think it’s just so great that a lot of key people at the club and the team are being so open about it, really wanting to donate to the cause,” Knott told KEEPUP.
“I think just starting those conversations and keeping the momentum going through the season is really good.
“There’s a good understanding that this is a bunch of largely young players who have been thrown together and taken away from home. It is challenging, obviously everybody is trying their best and I think there is a lot of support within the club, the fans and supporters which is just really cool.
“I was trying (to score) anyway but there’s just extra added incentive to fight for something bigger than yourself and the team. There’s a bigger fight we all believe in as well, so I’m definitely going to try and bang some in.”
Knott has a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and a Masters in Science of Developmental Psychopathology – a pair of degrees earned in the United States and England respectively. Knott is a social worker outside of football, assisting new families and parents with a focus on mental health and wellbeing.
At 25 years of age, Knott is one of the most mature members of an incredibly young Phoenix squad, displaced from New Zealand on a whirlwind adventure through the club’s first ever Liberty A-League campaign.
“I think for a lot of people, young people and everyone in this time of COVID, it’s been such a hard couple of years being in lockdown, not seeing family and things like that,” Knott said.
“With our team, we came straight from lockdown into Wollongong so a lot of the girls didn’t really get to do normal things, see friends and see family before we came here.
“I think that’s obviously a big life decision… and to come to terms with it really quickly and then straight away get into a season is a big ask, I think.
“It’s just been a bit hard some days for a lot of the girls. For me as well, I find it challenging but I think because of my background I’m pretty good at knowing how to manage my mental health, but when you’re 17 and 18 you don’t have enough life experience to really get to know yourself that well. I think it’s just learning that for a lot of the girls.”
READ: ‘Nix youngster Whinham earns Young Footballer of the Year nomination
‘It’s not a reaction, it’s culture’
Wellington Phoenix was praised as a club for the way it handled Wisnewski’s withdrawal from competitive action with the health, wellbeing and most importantly privacy of the young Phoenix star a clear priority.
Knott says it has become clear in recent times that if a club has support, acceptance and understanding of a players’ personal environment embedded in its culture, it will be reflected in its actions.
“I think we’re lucky with the girls we’ve got on the team and the coaches we have, and the support they’ve brought in,” Knott said.
“I think we’re lucky in that sense, that at the club we’ve got those people supporting us. All the girls at this stage feel really comfortable to go and talk to the coaches about their mental health, and if it’s not the coaches it will be the older players, whether it’s me, Lily (Alfeld) or someone else there to just be that bridge, or that listening ear that the girls are confident to talk (to) if they need to.
“The coaches are really, really open with their support as well.
“It definitely wasn’t a reaction, it was the culture we created which is really cool, actually.”
An ‘invaluable’ impact beyond football applauded by foundation chief
Social media is oftentimes at the root of problems in the modern game of football, but every once in a while it displays its potential to be an immense power for good.
Take the groundswell of support for the fundraising efforts of those involved with Wellington Phoenix as prime example: club + fans + online engagement, resulting in an initiative both inspiring the team on the pitch, whilst helping enact change in the community.
Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand chief executive Shaun Robinson says the concerted effort of Phoenix players, staff and fans to raise funds for mental through football will have a “huge impact” on the foundation’s endeavours, helping to reduce stigma and discrimination whilst improving mental health throughout Aotearoa.
“We applaud anyone who takes time to work on their mental health and the workplace that helps provide the support systems to ensure a speedy recovery,” Robinson said.
“Your wellbeing is the most important thing of all. It’s a taonga/treasure, so a team player with a mental health concern should be treated no differently as someone who’s got a physical injury.
“It’s invaluable to have the support of fellow teammates and management. Feeling able to reach out for support and guidance is critical to recovery. Good workplaces have systems embedded to support staff when they need it. Many athletes become role models as well, so showing vulnerabilities is just fine.”
Robinson continued: “It’s so important for workplaces and sport clubs to actively focus on wellbeing – not only when people are in crisis. Embedding it into all practice, training and communication will mean people can cope better when times get tough.”
The winless Phoenix have four games remaining until the end of the season. Gemma Lewis’ side has scored just five goals to date this season – but up next comes a meeting with Canberra United on Friday – a side which has shipped 12 goals in its last three matches.
It’s not too late to get on board the Phoenix goals for mental health donation drive – and Robinson says every donation counts at a foundation reaching over one million New Zealanders each year.
“These donations have a huge impact on the work we do,” Robinson said. “Over half of our income is gained through donations like this.
“This financial support enables us to focus on resource development and distribution, providing an information service to the public, developing resources for Maori and influencing government policy through our policy and advocacy team.
“Our aim is to reduce stigma and discrimination and improve mental health throughout all of Aotearoa is enhanced by these donations.
“Thanks to everyone for supporting us. Our resources reach over 1 million New Zealanders each year and that figure is growing 20% year on year.”
TO DONATE TO THE MENTAL HEALTH FOUNDATION OF NEW ZEALAND:
Visit mentalhealth.org.nz for more information on how to donate, or to download or order the resources appropriate for you.
