Over 300 footballers and more than 1,000 spectators packed into Vicarage Road on Saturday 9th May to play football, stand against suicide, and raise over £90,000 for mental health charities.
In partnership with Watford FC’s Community Sports & Education Trust (Trust), The Mental Health World Cup Charity, and fan group WD18, The Mental Health World Cup returned to Vicarage Road for one of the most powerful days in the charity’s history. Teams from across Hertfordshire took to the turf not just to compete, but to stand against the stigma surrounding suicide and raise vital funds for mental health support.
Among those supporting on the day were a number of former Watford FC and club legends, including Luther Blissett OBE DL, Nigel Gibbs, Paul Robinson, Craig Cathcart, William Troost-Ekong, Tommy Smith, Tommy Mooney, Tommie Hoban, Anthony McNamee, Adam Payne, and Jamie Robinson – figures whose involvement helped demonstrate football’s deep connection to community and mental health support.
Several other familiar Watford FC faces were also involved, with the Academy staff side – featuring former players and coaches including Charlie Daniels, Lloyd Doyley, Adrian Mariappa, Arthur Janata, Ryan Jackett, and Ben Day – going on to finish as runners-up in the tournament.
The day also featured a raffle and live auction, including a special opportunity for former Watford players to be auctioned into teams to support their journey through to the final stages of the competition. The event concluded with a formal trophy presentation recognising standout achievements, including Player of the Tournament, Top Scorer, and Top Fundraiser.
Giancarlo Gaglione, founder of the Mental Health World Cup, said:
“We started this because of what we lost. Fourteen years on, days like today show what football can do when it shows up for something that matters. Three hundred people laced up their boots to stand against suicide. That’s not a football tournament – that’s a movement.”
Rob Smith, Watford FC’s Community Sports & Education Trust Community Director, added:
“The Trust is incredibly proud of our partnership with the Mental Health World Cup charity, and this year’s event was truly incredible. It was fantastic to see community teams and their families, local businesses, volunteers and Watford FC legends all coming together to raise awareness of mental health in such a positive and inspiring way.
“The support shown by the community has been outstanding, and we hope this event continues to grow and raise awareness for many years to come.”
All profits raised from the event will be split amongst the chosen mental health charities, with no admin cuts or overheads – meaning 100% of the funds raised will go directly to where they are needed most.
For media enquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or to find out more about next year’s event:
📧 info@mentalhealthworldcup.org.uk
🌐 www.mentalhealthworldcup.org.uk