Prince William recently spoke via video call to Arsenal’s football manager and some of its players, as the announcement was made that this year’s Emirates FA Cup Final will be called the “Heads Up FA Cup Final.” The name change is intended to pay tribute to the Heads Up mental health campaign that Prince William has led in the UK.
The now-renamed FA Cup Final has been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic and is now scheduled for August 1st at Wembley Stadium. Prince William made the announcement about the name change during the video call, saying, “We’re going to really use the final as a moment to promote good, positive mental health for everyone.”
Prince William went onto say that “it’s quite timely bearing in mind what we’ve all been through with this pandemic. I think there’s going to be, sadly, a lot of repercussions from this in society, not just in football, in terms of people’s mental health.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta contracted COVID-19, and he says that he’s been keenly aware of the necessity of talking about mental health with his players, as they were unable to train as as a team for an extended period. Arteta has said that he strives to create a safe environment for players to talk and express their feelings without fearing repercussions or consequences.
Heads Up is partnership between Prince Williams’ mental health campaign called Heads Together and the FA. The initiative will continue all season, and it’s hoped that the Heads Up FA Cup Final will generate more conversations about mental health among football fans.
Prince William is president of the FA, and in the video, he laughed and talked with Arteta and the players as the FA Cup sat behind him, and he was also serious about the issue of men’s mental health at times as well. It was great to see the spirited conversation, which you can watch below. Be sure to check back here at CDL for more British royals news and updates.
