Support for men transitioning out of sport

At Second Half Trust, we believe that life after sport should be a new beginning, not the end of the story. Too many athletes and sportsmen struggle in silence when the final whistle blows—facing loss of identity, loneliness, and mental health challenges.

We’re here to change that.

Our mission is simple: to support men’s mental wellness after sport through community, advocacy, and care. Whether it’s offering a safe space to share your story, connecting you with others who’ve been through the same journey, or providing access to vital resources, we are here for you.

Because the second half of life matters. And together, we can make it stronger.

Latest News

Club Partners Are Coming 🤝⚽

We’re proud to announce the launch of the Second Half Trust Club Partner Programme — a new initiative designed to bring sporting clubs together in a shared commitment to wellbeing, identity, and life beyond the game.

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đź’™ Sometimes life throws another hurdle at you

I’ve got a bit of difficult news to share. After everything I’ve been through with my Achilles, I was finally feeling like I was getting somewhere. My recovery from the reconstruction has been going really well, and I’d started looking ahead to something that has meant a huge amount to me.

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My Story

If you had asked me years ago what my life would look like, I would have said football would always be at the centre of it.

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Wristbands Launch

For years, matchday came with familiar rituals. Lacing up your boots, pulling on your shirt, taping up wrists, and stepping onto the pitch alongside teammates who had your back through every single minute. But when the final whistle blows on a playing career, those rituals disappear overnight. The dressing room chatter fades, the structure vanishes, and the quiet sets in. We created The Second Half Trust wristband to bring back a daily ritual of unity and connection—a tangible reminder that hanging up your boots doesn't mean walking alone.

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Our commitment to men's well-being

At Second Half Trust, we offer a range of services designed to support men's mental health and aid their transition from sports. Our programmes are tailored to meet individual needs, providing a holistic approach to well-being.

Our Aim

 

At Second Half Trust, our aim is to provide support, guidance, and hope for people navigating life after sport. We want to:

Raise awareness around men’s mental health, especially the challenges faced after leaving professional or grassroots sports.

Break the stigma by encouraging open conversations through our message: Talk. Trust. Heal.

Offer support by connecting individuals with trusted organisations and resources.

Build community so no one feels isolated in their “second half” of life.

Together, we aim to create a future where every person knows that it’s okay to reach out, and that help is always available.

 

What We Aim To Do

Raise Awareness – break the silence around men’s mental health in sport and beyond.

Provide Support – develop resources, peer connections, and pathways to professional help.

Build Community – create safe spaces where men can share their experiences and rebuild their sense of identity.

Drive Advocacy – ensure men’s voices are heard in conversations about mental health and life after sport.

Our Vision

A future where every man leaving sport feels supported, valued, and equipped for life’s second half.

Community engagement

Building a supportive community is key. We aim to organise events and forums where former athletes can connect, share experiences, and find solidarity, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual understanding.

"Second Half Trust provided invaluable support when I needed it most. The transition from sport was incredibly tough, but their resources and community made a real difference to my mental well-being."

— Former professional athlete, Manchester

Make a lasting impact

Your support helps us continue our vital work in raising awareness and providing crucial mental health support for men after sport. Every contribution makes a difference.

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to common questions about Second Half Trust, our mission, and how we support men's mental health after leaving sport.

What is The Second Half Trust?

The Second Half Trust is a charity dedicated to supporting athletes across all sports as they navigate the difficult transition out of competitive playing careers and into life after sport. We focus heavily on men’s mental wellness, personal development, and community support

Who is the charity for?

Our trust is open to former athletes at all levels—whether you played professionally, semi-professionally, or spent years dedicated to grassroots competitive sport. If you are struggling with the transition away from playing, we are here for you.

Does it cost anything to access your support?

No. All of our core peer-support groups, community events, and transition guidance are completely free to access for former athletes.

How can The Second Half Trust help me?

We provide a safe, understanding space to tackle the physical, emotional, and psychological challenges of retiring from sport. We offer:

  • Peer-to-Peer Support: Connecting you with former players who have gone through the exact same transition.

  • Mental Wellness Resources: Normalizing honest conversations about mental health and offering guidance to those who need it.

  • Identity & Purpose Guidance: Helping you translate the skills you learned on the pitch into new careers and passions.

Do I need to be struggling with severe mental health issues to join?

Not at all. While we actively support those going through tough times, our community is for anyone leaving competitive sport. Whether you just miss the locker room camaraderie or want to connect with a network of peers, you are always welcome.

How do I get involved or reach a support group?

You can reach out directly via our contact form or by emailing us at secondhalftrust@gmail.com. You can also follow our social media channels for updates on upcoming local events and support meetups.

How can local sports clubs partner with the trust?

We collaborate with sports clubs at every level to ensure players are supported before, during, and after their retirement. Clubs can work with us to run workshops, establish local transition support hubs, or host awareness events.

Can I become a trustee or volunteer?

Yes! We are always looking for passionate individuals—whether you are a former athlete, a mental health professional, or someone with experience in charity governance to join us as trustees or volunteers. Contact us to learn about current opportunities.

Get in touch with us

Call us

07982510811

secondhalftrust@gmail.com