The Scottish Premier
League might only be a few weeks into its 2011/2012 season but
Motherwell Football Club are looking to establish themselves as
early contenders to split up the ever dominant Old Firm. The team
itself is a good mixture of youth and experience, visibly bursting
with the kind of energy and confidence only a good leader can
instil. Their manager, Stuart McCall, is one such
leader.
A legend in British Football, Stuart McCall made 763
appearances in an illustrious career that spanned various Football
Clubs including Glasgow Rangers. Whilst playing under former
manager , Walter Smith, he became a household name in Scottish
Football. His never say die attitude and box to box midfield play
shows through in his managerial style and the Steelmen Gaffer has
got them firing with some industrious displays.
Choose Life have been working hard with the North
Lanarkshire community this year and together with Motherwell
Football Club, have made people more aware of the issues concerning
suicide. Stuart McCall took time out of his busy schedule to talk
to Choose Life about the topic of suicide and how Scottish football
can be used as a catalyst for spreading the national
message.
"Football is about being a part of a community - part of a
team if you like. Its Scotland's national Sport and an important
part of our culture." Said McCall.
Last year in Scotland there were 781 deaths by suicide,
from which three out of four were male. McCall, having spent the
majority of his life working in and around British Football, knows
first hand the positive impact it can have on peoples
lives.
"Playing with your mates for fun or to win, we look out
for each other on the park, we work together to win." He
added. "Football can be the perfect way to engage
people, looking at the banners around the stadium we can see that
putting suicide prevention in the Motherwell colours helps us reach
fans and families alike who support this club. They support us and
we want to look after them."
Suicide in Scotland is still a taboo topic but the fact
remains that it affects hundreds of people every year. Whilst
talking to Choose Life, McCall reiterated the importance of
eliminating the stigma surrounding suicide and broadcasting the
national message 'Don't hide it. Talk about it.' to
everyone.
"When I heard there were two suicides a day in Scotland
with many being young men, I could only think what a waste of life
it was. I think its important that people know how this issue
affects our community." He said. "Many people have
problems but we want folk to talk, to open up and to be honest with
each other. There is nothing wrong with telling someone you're
feeling low. People want to help."
Sport is widely regarded as having the ability to have a
positive effect on an individuals mental health. Being a part of a
team, be it winning or losing, creates a mental toughness that
gives a person the confidence to try new things and overcome
challenges. As a footballer, McCall is the
thirteenth highest capped player in the history of British
Football. His energy and gritty performances on the pitch
influenced the rest of his team and even as a Manager, you can see
the same determination in the Motherwell squad. They want to work
hard on the pitch and reap the benefits they get from their
positive approach to football.
"It's important that we exercise, be it playing football
or running after the kids, it's good for us. I've seen players
who're injured and they are miserable because they can't
play. If they go swimming or find some other way of
keeping fit, you can see them brighten up and become more positive.
Its a great way of taking your mind off things and getting away
from stress or worries, it clears the mind."
Choose Life and Motherwell Football Club have worked
closely over the last few years and their partnership has enabled
the Choose Life campaign to reach a massive audience. The Gaffer,
squad and the rest of the Football Club are firmly behind the
campaign.
"For me its about making others aware about suicide in our
community. Getting people to talk and take notice of family or
friends who might need help." McCall added. "This
isn't about helping me get press, its about looking out for each
other, just as team mates do. If I can help this campaign by being
the Motherwell Manager, then I'm happy to help in anyway
possible. Be it doing this interview or helping at a
photo shoot, its only a few minutes for myself and the team but in
the long run it could help save a life."
Choose Life would like to thank Stuart McCall and
Motherwell Football Club for their support and contribution to the
campaign and to wish them all the best in the coming
season.
Written by Nial Connacher
