Plenty of supporters have been asking why there’s a squiggle next to players’ names on the back of jerseys in the EFL this season.
There is a fantastic reason for the new design as clubs from League Two all the way up to the Championship have partnered with mental health charity Mind for the 2018/19 campaign.
And the squiggle you see joined to the first letter of each player’s name in the EFL is Mind’s distinctive logo.
All 72 clubs have got behind the campaign, which aims to raise awareness of mental health problems in football and society in general.
We're so excited to announce we're the @EFL official charity partner from the 18/19 season, working together to raise awareness of mental health problems among millions of football fans, Clubs and staff. https://t.co/vOf0h5PTsb pic.twitter.com/KzsZsCikNs
— Mind (@MindCharity) February 22, 2018
Backroom staff at clubs can also be seen sporting pins and badges which display the Mind logo.
Paul Farmer, Chief Executive for Mind, said of the partnership: “We are delighted to be working with the EFL on this exciting new partnership which we hope will be a game changer in increasing awareness and understanding of mental health and raising vital funds to support Mind’s work.
“Football brings millions of people together and is a great platform to start positive conversations. One in four of us is affected by a mental health problem which means that at every Club, on every terrace and in every community we need to be prioritising mental health.
PIC 📸 | The shop have been busy printing shirts ahead of the new season, with the official lettering containing @MindCharity's official branding.
Mind are the @EFL's Charity of the Year.#STFC pic.twitter.com/w4dNq1rWZW
— Swindon Town Football Club (@Official_STFC) July 24, 2018
“We’re looking forward to joining forces with the EFL to support thousands more people to get active and experience the mood boosting benefits of exercise. We know that getting physically active through team sports such as football can help us feel more connected and increase our overall mental health and wellbeing.
“In choosing to partner with Mind, the EFL is showing a real commitment to an issue that affects players, staff and fans alike.
“Some good work is already underway by the Professional Footballers Association and League Managers Association to address mental health and this partnership will be a significant opportunity to broaden out that mental health support and raise awareness to wider club staff and supporters. Together, we hope to embed long-term change in how EFL Clubs and communities approach mental health.”
