The Czech football player union CAFH is making significant strides in supporting the mental health of footballers, with their mental health initiative, Čistá Hlava – or Clear Mind – standing out as one of the most impactful services.
Launched in 2018 following the tragic deaths of two Czech footballers abroad, the initiative aims to raise awareness about mental health and reduce the stigma surrounding it in Czechia. CAFH’s Chairperson, Marketa Vochoska Haindlova, emphasized that mental health was once a taboo topic in the country. Although progress has been made, there is still work to do. “We want players to know that stress, anxiety, or depression are common experiences, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness,” said Haindlova.
The message has been echoed by prominent figures in Czech football, including 80-time international Vladimir Smicer, who won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005. Smicer, CAFH’s Honorary Chairperson, has been vocal about the benefits of mental health support, sharing his own positive experiences with psychological sessions during his career. His endorsement has resonated with players, making them more open to seeking help.
A central part of the union’s mental health services is a 24-hour helpline available to Czech-based players or those playing abroad. On average, five players reach out each month. The helpline is connected to a network of psychologists, including Dr. Dusan Randak, a respected mental health professional with experience working with the Czech national baseball and ice hockey teams.
Dr. Randak’s frequent presence at CAFH events and team visits has helped build trust with players. Haindlova shared, “Once players meet Dr. Randak, at least one of them will reach out for help, whether via the hotline or online.”
The union also encourages players’ teammates and family members to seek help on their behalf, offering advice on how to support struggling individuals. “Often, teammates are the first to notice when something is wrong,” Haindlova explained.
One of the players to benefit from this support is Antonín Fantis, a seasoned footballer who made his senior debut at 16. After a successful pre-season with a Romanian club in the summer of 2024, his life took a tragic turn when he lost a close family member in an accident. Returning to Czechia for five days to support his family, Fantis returned to Romania physically and mentally drained. His performance on the field suffered, and he was eventually dropped from the starting lineup. Additionally, he faced further hardship when his club failed to pay his salary for over three months.
Feeling isolated, Fantis reached out to CAFH, who connected him with Dr. Randak. “The first call was an hour long, and it helped me a lot,” he said, acknowledging how crucial the support had been for him.
Reflecting on the changing attitudes toward mental health in Czech football, Fantis observed that more players are now utilizing mental health services. “When I started, it was difficult to admit vulnerabilities, but now it’s more accepted. CAFH’s services are invaluable for players struggling with mental health, and it’s important to talk about it,” he said.
By offering these services, CAFH is not only supporting players during their career challenges but also fostering a more open environment for addressing mental health in Czech football.
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