Key points:
- Rangers displayed its Team Talk logo on the front of players’ shirts during last night’s Europa League quarter-final
- The initiative is funded by FDJ United, and its brands 32Red and Unibet
- Team Talk brings supporters together to play football matches and talk about any problems they may be having
Ahead of its quarter-final game last night, Rangers took the time to highlight the club’s Team Talk mental health initiative, which has been benefitting supporters since 2020.
The initiative is driven by the Rangers Charity Foundation and receives funding from FDJ United, the owner of 32Red and Unibet.
It brings men together twice a week to take part in physical training, scheduled football matches and discuss anything they may have on their mind.
John Joyce, Rangers Charity Foundation Coach, said: “I would say to any man who is feeling as if they’re on their own: get yourself involved with Team Talk programme.
“There is still a stigma attached to men talking about what problems they may have – but we see that lifting when they become involved with the project.
“It’s a safe, inclusive and welcoming space for men – all while using football and Rangers as a familiar hook.”
When Liam Kelly, Rangers’ goalkeeper, spoke to supporters who take part in Team Talk, they talked about the community and lifelong friends that were formed through this initiative.
They spoke of group chats that have formed between the men that provide long-lasting support, even off the pitch.
Alan Slater, Team Talk Participant, said: “Every man has one form of problem or another – big or small. If you’re struggling, there’s somebody there for you through Team Talk.
“It’s a new friendship group for life and can be a source of exercise too.
"People just assume Unibet is another gambling sponsor on a shirt, but they don’t know that Unibet are helping with this programme, which is a great thing for our community.”
Good to know: The partnership between 32Red, Unibet and Rangers is one of the longest-running in British football and was founded in 2014
Tom Banks, FDJ United Group Head of Corporate Affairs, said: “Our partnership with Rangers is acknowledged as being one the longest running and most impactful in British football.
“We continue to challenge ourselves to provide support not just for the club – but for its local communities as well, which is why the Team Talk programme has been so effective.
“Thousands of local men have benefitted who otherwise would not have done. We’re proud to, once again, donate the normal front-of-short logo space to Team Talk for a big match and to continue to support the project in the years ahead.”
In its recent Q1 report, FDJ United reported a quarterly revenue of €925m and explained how international regulatory changes led to a 21.8% dip in lottery figures.
