Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation and Adelaide United Football Club are proud to announce a groundbreaking collaboration, marking the first-ever Mental Health Game in A-League history this October during Mental Health Awareness Month. This newfound partnership will not only showcase the club’s commitment to mental health awareness and education but also raise crucial funds for much-needed research.

The inaugural Mental Health Game will take place 6:30pm on Sunday, 29 October at Coopers Stadium, and will see Adelaide United take on Melbourne City FC in what promises to be a pivotal moment in the club’s history. The match will highlight the critical role sports can play in advocating for mental health awareness and destigmatising mental health challenges.

Breakthrough CEO, John Mannion, expressed his excitement about this partnership, saying,

“We are proud to be part of this initiative with Adelaide United. Mental health affects us all, and through this partnership, we hope to break down barriers, increase understanding, and support research that transforms lives. The Mental Health Game is more than football; it’s about changing lives and supporting groundbreaking research that will lead to a future where mental health challenges are understood and prevented.”

Adelaide United goalkeeper and Breakthrough’s player ambassador, Joe Gauci, also shared his thoughts on this new collaboration, stating,

“As an ambassador, I am honoured to be part of an initiative that promotes mental health. We all face challenges in life, and it’s crucial that we recognise the importance of mental health and wellbeing. This game represents an opportunity to make a real impact, and we are committed to using our platform to support this cause.”

Fans will have the opportunity to donate directly to Breakthrough, purchase limited-edition Adelaide United FC x Breakthrough scarves, enter a competition to win corporate tickets and bid on limited-edition Adelaide United Mental Health Game jerseys. Gauci, as ambassador, will also be auctioning off his Breakthrough-branded goalkeeper gloves, specially made for the Mental Health Game.

Proceeds from the Mental Health Game will be donated to the Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation to advance their research and education programs. In addition to the match, there will be a range of activities, resources, and information available to fans on game day to promote mental health education.

Click the button below for more information about the Mental Health Game and how you can support.