THEY have come together for years to shout about their team on the pitch.

Now, a new mental health initiative is hoping to get men to talk about themselves off it. 

Team Talk will offer like-minded people a safe space to come together once a week to support their wellbeing and increase their confidence. 

Launched by the Rangers Charity Foundation, the new scheme aims to aims to build resilience, improve social circles, increase physical activity, and help adult men to feel more supported during two-hour sessions at Ibrox Stadium. 

READ MORE: Rangers fans can score mini-Ibrox sent all the way from the US

Connal Cochrane, Rangers Charity Foundation director, said: “Promoting positive mental wellbeing is as important today as it’s ever been.

"We want to provide a welcoming place for men to build social connections and feel better supported in looking after their wellbeing."

Sitting under the Foundation’s ‘Healthy Lives’ pillar, Team Talk will offer a positive and relaxed atmosphere, where people can meet others who may be experiencing similar mental health issues.

Specially trained coaches will begin each session with one hour of social and conversational topics, before giving participants the choice of a physical activity or wellbeing discussion hour.

Glasgow Times: Connal Cochrane, second from right, has backed the scheme Connal Cochrane, second from right, has backed the scheme

The programme has been made possible thanks to support from Rangers FC’s shirt sponsor, 32Red.

Mr Cochrane added: “We are incredibly grateful to have the support of Club sponsor 32 Red through this new investment. We’ve been aware of the need for this type of project for some time, and we look forward to welcoming a wide range of men to Ibrox soon for our first Team Talk sessions.” 

Neil Banbury, 32Red’s UK general manager, said: “The investment we are announcing today means the huge benefits of the Team Talk programmes can be rolled out across the country.

"Using the unique relationship supporters have with their local club, we can reach men with the expanded mental wellbeing support services who would otherwise be suffering in silence.

READ MORE: David Resnik brings joy with Rangers' Ibrox Stadium shortly after Old Trafford success

“Our partnerships with Rangers show how this new model for football club sponsorship can work in practice. 32Red is continuing to lead the way in becoming a sponsor of choice for a club and its community.”

Full Covid-19 safety measures are in place within the Rangers Charity Foundation’s delivery space, but people are advised to adhere to Government guidelines.

Glasgow Times:

Longer term, the course will act as a drop-in service but, due to current restrictions around Covid-19, the Foundation currently requires a strict sign-up policy to ensure we keep within the numbers of people the centre can hold with social distancing procedures in place.

Team Talk will take place at the Ibrox Community Hub every Wednesday night, starting 18 November, from 6pm – 8pm and is available for all adult males. You can take part on any week, but places will be limited so please first register your interest by emailing rangerscharity@rangers.co.uk.