In a powerful show of solidarity, Cheltenham Town and Worcester City are joining forces for a pre-season friendly match on Saturday afternoon to support Man Up Gloucestershire, a charity dedicated to men’s mental health.
Tim Harris, former goalkeeper for Cheltenham Town and now Worcester City’s director of football, has become a passionate advocate for the cause following the tragic loss of his son to suicide last November. Harris is using his platform to raise awareness about the urgent need to understand why many men struggle with mental health issues.
Michael Flynn, Cheltenham Town’s manager and a close friend of Harris, knows firsthand the impact Harris has had, having played under him at Newport County and worked alongside him when Harris was director of football there. To boost fundraising efforts, Cheltenham Town has generously donated a signed shirt to be raffled at the event.
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“During this incredibly difficult time, I want to sincerely thank everyone at Worcester City and my former clubs for their kindness and support,” Harris expressed. His openness is helping to break down the stigma surrounding men’s mental health.
A representative from Man Up Gloucestershire emphasized the importance of continued support: “Every donation is a critical step forward. Our free, drop-in peer support sessions held weekly in Churchdown, Cheltenham, and Newent provide a safe space for men to talk openly—no sign-up, no pressure.”
Raffle tickets will also be available at Worcester City’s upcoming fixtures against Newport County AFC and Kidderminster Harriers. The raffle draw is scheduled for Sunday, August 17, at Dymock Cricket Club, with winners announced the following week.
Man Up Gloucestershire will have a stand at all three matches, inviting fans to stop by, engage with charity representatives, and join the conversation. “Football brings people together, and so can talking about mental health,” they noted. “If even one man feels encouraged to open up after these matches, that’s a victory far beyond the pitch.”
The friendly kicks off at 1:30 pm on Saturday at Worcester’s new Sixways Stadium (WR3 8ZE), marking a community united in support of mental health awareness.