We play to connect. Not to win.
All around the world more and more people are recognising the power of sport. We work with partners to design, evaluate and implement Sport for Mental Health programmes that improve the mental health of some of the world’s most vulnerable children.
Maximise your impact and partner with us
Join one of our city networks
We provide training and ongoing support to networks of partners operating in high-risk and underserved areas. Partners receive annual in-depth training and regular 1:1 in person support to integrate Five Pillar curriculum activities and coaching skills into their existing programmes. Our networks strengthen the provision of youth mental health services in underserved areas.
- Apply to join our Cape Town network
- New City Network launching in May 2024 – announcement to be made soon
- Read the feasibility study of our 2022 Cape Town network
Grow with us
We partner with organisations looking to launch new mental health programmes for their community, their city and their province. We help partners design interventions, train staff to use our Five Pillar Coaching Resource & Curriculum Guides, and conduct pilot evaluations of their new interventions.
Sign-up to our online community of practice
We run 4 one-day workshops per year to help partners make the best use of our guides. Sign-up to our partner list, and we’ll invite you to our next workshop
Free Downloadable Guides
To help sports coaches, teachers, youth volunteers, child protection officers and anyone else working with youth deliver fun, effective, child friendly mental health programmes, we developed an integrated suite of coaching, programme design and training guides.
Please feel free to download these guides, and please share your experiences of using them so we can continually improve the products.
Five Pillar Curriculum Guide
A collection of games and role plays for working with children and youth, this curriculum guide can launch a mental health program. They can also enhance existing sports and youth development programmes for better mental health outcomes.
Five Pillar Coaching Guide
A guide containing essential coaching tips and programme design recommendations to help users of our curriculum guide make the maximum impact.
Five Pillar WhatsApp Bot (BETA)
A WhatsApp channel with videos, voice notes and animations of sessions & coaching tips – currently in testing. Please test, and send us your feedback.
The Five Pillar Framework
To enhance the natural benefits of sport, W4C developed The Five Pillar Framework. A combination of evidence-based coaching techniques and curriculum activities that enhance social attachment and self regulation using sport
What are the 5 Pillars?
- Access to a caring coach and supportive peer group
- Access to mentally, emotionally, and physically safe spaces
- Mastering fun, challenging new tasks and behaviours
- Practicing prosocial behaviours through games and activities
- Access to new opportunities and support systems
Our Partnerships
Like Nelson Mandela, we believe Sport has the power to change the world. We are also passionate about sharing.
400+
Coaches Trained
2x
Open Access Guides
