Rangers Spotlight Mental Health Support with Team Talk Shirt Tribute in Europa League Clash

For the occasion, the club replaced its usual sponsor logo with the Team Talk emblem on the front of the players’ shirts, symbolising a commitment to creating space for conversations that matter.

Team Talk is operated by the Rangers Charity Foundation and funded by FDJ United, the parent company of long-time sponsors 32Red and Unibet. While these brands are often associated with gambling, their involvement in this initiative reveals a broader and more socially responsible role — one that aims to give back to the local community through tangible mental health support.

The programme meets twice a week and combines physical activity with open discussions, giving men the chance to connect, stay active, and talk through personal struggles in a safe and inclusive environment. It uses the universal language of football — and the loyalty to Rangers — as a familiar entry point to foster trust and connection. Participants engage in structured training sessions and matches, with time set aside for group discussions, helping to break down the stigma often associated with mental health, especially among men.

Rangers Charity Foundation coach John Joyce encourages anyone feeling isolated to take part. “There is still a stigma attached to men talking about what problems they may have – but we see that lifting when they become involved with the project. It’s a safe, inclusive and welcoming space for men – all while using football and Rangers as a familiar hook.”

The results speak for themselves. Many participants say they’ve formed genuine friendships and support networks that extend well beyond the football pitch. Liam Kelly, Rangers’ goalkeeper, recently spent time with members of the programme and heard firsthand how Team Talk has helped build a sense of belonging. One participant, Alan Slater, shared: “Every man has one form of problem or another – big or small. If you’re struggling, there’s somebody there for you through Team Talk. It’s a new friendship group for life and can be a source of exercise too. People just assume Unibet is another gambling sponsor on a shirt, but they don’t know that Unibet are helping with this programme, which is a great thing for our community.”

FDJ United has supported Rangers since 2014, forming one of the longest-standing partnerships in British football. But beyond logos and branding, the company sees social responsibility as central to its mission. Tom Banks, Group Head of Corporate Affairs at FDJ United, noted: “We continue to challenge ourselves to provide support not just for the club – but for its local communities as well. Thousands of local men have benefitted who otherwise would not have done. We’re proud to, once again, donate the normal front-of-shirt logo space to Team Talk for a big match and to continue to support the project in the years ahead.”

In a time when mental health awareness is more important than ever, Team Talk serves as a meaningful example of how football — when paired with the right intentions — can change lives both on and off the pitch.