VSS (Virtual Soccer Schools)

🚀 Fuelling #Resilience Through #Football and #MentalHealth ⚽ Last week, VSS (Virtual Soccer Schools) had the privilege of visiting Fulham Football Club's Craven Cottage and connecting with those transformed by the Made in Fulham programme. Hearing firsthand from beneficiaries about how our recent #VSS session on resilience and #growthmindset, featuring football #legend Thomas Vermaelen, has been a game-changer in addressing mental health challenges was truly inspiring. This experience strengthens our resolve. We're ready to empower the next cohort through our ongoing partnership with the Fulham FC Foundation, merging mental health action with #education. A massive shoutout to the incredible team making this possible! Key Takeaways: 🧠 Elevating mental health through VSS. 🤝 Transformative impact of the Made in Fulham programme. ⚽ Stronger together with Fulham FC Foundation. The journey continues for mental health support! 💪

🚨 Game-Changer Alert: #MentalHealth in Coaching! 🚨 We’re beyond excited to share jaw-dropping results from our latest VSS (Virtual Soccer Schools) Mental Health Masterclass in partnership with the Made in Fulham programme at Fulham FC Foundation, featuring none other than former Barcelona FC and Arsenal FC legend Thomas Vermaelen. This was more than just a masterclass - it was a powerful experience that’s reshaping how mental health is approached in sports. 🔥 Here’s the impact we made: #OverallExperience: 77.8% rated it as Excellent. The rest? Good. We’re talking about 100% satisfaction—no middle ground, no compromises. #Relevance and #Impact: Every single participant (100%!) felt the workshop content was highly relevant to mental health themes. We hit the mark, every time. #EliteCoach Q&A: 100% engagement. Thomas Vermaelen delivered pure gold, answering tough questions and leaving everyone with actionable insights. What did our participants learn? 🔑 #Mindset is EVERYTHING - Never let it drop, stay resilient.  🔑 #Passion fuels performance - Coaching with heart is non-negotiable.  🔑 #BeYourself - Authenticity drives connection and success.  🔑 #Lead by example - Mental fitness and meaningful relationships are game-changers. Thomas Vermaelen didn’t just speak - he transformed perspectives, injected new energy into the Made In Fulham educational programme at Fulham FC Foundation, and left an indelible mark on the next generation of coaches. 💥 This is how VSS is changing the game - we’re not just talking about #mentalhealth; we’re driving a movement that equips coaches and players with the tools they need to be resilient, focused, and mentally unstoppable. We’re just getting started. Stay tuned as we continue to push boundaries and revolutionise mental health in sports and beyond! Special shoutout to Richie Austria, Richard Morris & Mat Doolan for making the magic happen behind the scenes #DreamTeam 💫 #MentalHealthMatters #VSS #GameChanger #CoachingExcellence #Resilience #GrowthMindset #FootballEducation #Inspiration #ChampionMindset

10,000 children, 300 schools, and 2 Premier League Superstars! VSS (Virtual Soccer Schools) proudly extends a massive shout-out to Amazing People Schools and Bee Digital Ltd for their phenomenal contributions to our recent blockbuster event during #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek2024, which happened earlier this month. Together, we led the largest action-based movement for mental health and education, impacting 300 schools and reaching 10,000 children. We spotlighted #character strengths such as #perseverance and #selfconfidence, bolstering thousands of children's #mentalhealth nationwide. All of this was delivered innovatively through virtual communication platforms alongside two Premier League superstars from Fulham Football Club. Premier League icons Tim Ream and Calvin Bassey led impactful discussions with thousands of children, in collaboration with Amazing People Schools, showcasing the true power of our mission. Beyond the soccer pitch, they generously shared powerful #mentalhealth strategies, #character strengths, #perseverance stories, and mindset-building tips that will #inspire, #empower, and #educate the next generation to believe in themselves! This immersive experience reaffirms VSS's unwavering commitment to making a meaningful impact. We provide a valuable platform where elite professional footballers, our VSS Mental Health Champions like Tim Ream and Calvin Bassey, share their personal journeys and insights. It's not just about the game; it's about fostering #resilience, promoting mental well-being, and inspiring the next generation on their growth journey. Together, Amazing People Schools and our #PremierLeague superstars, Tim Ream and Calvin Bassey from Fulham Football Club, have made a lasting impact once again on countless children. Thank you for your collaboration, dedication, and passion for making a difference in the world of mental health. Special thanks to all the Amazing People Schools team for their continued dedication to education and mental health. Their commitment to providing #character strengths resources aligned perfectly with the goals of VSS and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek2024. Let's continue this vital conversation and support each other in navigating life's challenges, ensuring we give back to the youth and #empower them along the way. #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #Empowerment #Gratitude #Innovation #Education #AmazingPeopleSchools #PremierLeague #ThankYou Frances Corcoran ben tegg Selena Whitehead Catherine Hodgkinson Michelle D. Ravenscroft AFHEA Jennie Keen Ghalib Ullah Edem Spio, MSc Jakob van de Flierdt Matt Constable

🌟 VSS (Virtual Soccer Schools) Empowers Grade 4 Boys from ACS International Schools with #PremierLeague Superstar Alex Iwobi from Fulham Football Club! On February 29th, 2024, VSS (Virtual Soccer Schools) hosted an impactful session with Grade 4 Boys from ACS International Schools, ushering them into a world of #inspiration, #resilience, and #teamwork. With a total of 40 enthusiastic students, aged between 9 to 10 years old, the session delved into crucial topics ranging from tackling bullying to fostering a winning football mentality, all while addressing the challenges of #OnlineAbuse. Key Discussion Points: #Bullying and #Resilience: Alex Iwobi, Nigerian international and Fulham Football Club player, shared candidly about his personal journey, including facing online bullying from fans following a challenging performance in the final of this year’s AFCON. Despite the adversity, Iwobi drew strength from his support system, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and self-belief in overcoming setbacks. #Teamwork and #Respect: Reflecting on his upbringing in the Arsenal academy, Iwobi emphasized the value of teamwork and respect. He underscored the significance of treating everyone with respect, highlighting that team success is built upon a foundation of mutual respect and camaraderie. Navigating #Challenges: Transitioning from Arsenal to Everton presented Iwobi with a significant hurdle. However, he expressed gratitude towards Everton for their support in integrating him into the team and overcoming initial struggles. His experience exemplifies the resilience required to adapt to new environments and thrive amidst challenges. Football #Mentality and #Fear: Iwobi imparted invaluable wisdom on cultivating a winning football mentality, emphasizing the importance of giving one's all on the pitch regardless of the outcome. Addressing his biggest footballing fear, Iwobi shared his introspective journey of self-assessment and readiness to represent his team at the highest level. Tackling #SocialMedia: In navigating the complexities of social media, Iwobi stressed the importance of connecting with his immediate family for motivation and inspiration, highlighting the power of positive relationships amidst the noise of online platforms. The VSS session with ACS International Schools and Alex Iwobi exemplifies the power of sports in shaping character, fostering resilience, and inspiring the next generation of young athletes. Through meaningful discussions and personal anecdotes, students were empowered to embrace challenges, cultivate teamwork, and navigate the digital landscape with confidence and integrity. Huge shoutout to Edem Spio, MSc (VSS African Correspondent) for his incredible work in creating this piece! #VirtualSoccerSchools #ACSInternationalSchools #AlexIwobi #SportsEmpowerment #FootballMentality #SocialMediaEtiquette Jen Baguley Robyne Simpson Graeme Lawrie MBE Barnaby Sandow Lauren Kelley Matt Constable Jakob van de Flierdt

Introducing Nahkane - dive into his journey and witness firsthand how VSS (Virtual Soccer Schools) have profoundly impacted him over the past year! Meet Nakhane, a remarkable 16-year-old whose journey embodies #resilience against all odds. Growing up in South Africa's Stellenbosch, he faced adversity in one of the world's most dangerous places. But through training4changeS, Nakhane found his passion for football, propelling him through challenges since the age of six. For nine years, Nakhane has thrived within training4changeS, rising to become the under-18 team captain. His journey transcends the soccer field, marked by tragedy and loss. Yet, his commitment to his dream remained unwavering. Recently, Nakhane joined VSS (Virtual Soccer Schools) sessions, engaging with Premier League superstars on #mental #wellbeing. These interactions were more than football insights - they were a lifeline for his #mentalhealth. Nakhane found a safe space to openly discuss struggles, receiving invaluable advice from elite players. His story underscores the power of community support and dialogue. VSS (Virtual Soccer Schools) sessions became a catalyst for his mental health recovery, where setbacks build resilience, criticism fuels improvement, and pressure is acknowledged as a privilege. Today, let's recognize the impact of VSS on Nakhane's life. His journey reflects the collective spirit of #mentalresilience and the transformative power of mentorship. Supporting initiatives like VSS creates inclusive spaces for dialogue and mentorship, ensuring no one faces their mental battles alone. Special thanks to Matt Constable for editing the footage and Daniel Thomae for the incredible work he's doing on the ground with training4changeS - we eagerly await our next inaugural VSS session later this month in April 2024 to continue this unbelievable partnership. Thank you for being part of Nakhane's journey. Let's continue empowering young lives through sports and breaking down mental health barriers! #VSS #MoreThanSport #Inspire #Empower #Educate #MentalHealth Edem Spio, MSc Jakob van de Flierdt Jay Block

Exciting News from the VSS Team! 🙌 VSS (Virtual Soccer Schools) are delighted to welcome Jakob van de Flierdt onboard as our newest member of the VSS Aftercare Team! Jakob brings a wealth of experience and passion to the table. As a former professional golfer who has competed globally and a NCAA student-athlete with Boston College and Rollins College, he understands the unique challenges athletes face firsthand. His recent graduation from Loughborough University London with an MSc in Sport Business and Leadership has equipped him with a deep understanding of athlete well-being and mental health. With expertise in leadership, sustainability, integrity, strategic communication, and sponsorship within the sports industry, Jakob is well-prepared to contribute to our mission of fostering well-being and mental health awareness. In his role, Jakob will be instrumental in providing aftercare support to our event participants and assisting with research and insights from our online sessions. We're excited to have him join our team and can't wait to see the positive impact he'll make at VSS! Let's go Jakob! #VSSAftercare #AthleteWellbeing #MentalHealthAwareness

🌍Welcoming Edem Spio, MSc as VSS African Correspondent! VSS (Virtual Soccer Schools) are excited to announce that Edem Spio, MSc will be joining our team as the VSS African Correspondent. With a wealth of experience and a passion for giving back to the next generation, Edem is set to make a significant impact in raising awareness on mental health topics across Africa, utilizing the power of soccer. Edem Spio is the co-founder, senior producer, and co-host of the Africa Business of Sport Podcast – Africa’s #1 Sports Business Podcast. His relentless tenacity in pursuing his passions is evident in his dedication to educating African youth about the business of sport through the podcast. Recognizing the lack of resources available to African youth in the sports business sector, Edem established the Africa Business of Sport Podcast to prepare them for promising careers in this field. Football, tennis, basketball, and Formula 1 are among Edem's favorite sports, and he holds a special affinity for teams such as Liverpool and Aston Martin F1 Team, as well as events like Wimbledon and the UEFA Champions League. Despite not pursuing a professional career in sports, Edem's profound understanding of sports as his life's calling led him to pursue a Master's in International Sports Management. Edem's commitment to leveraging sports as a platform for social change and his dedication to empowering African youth align perfectly with VSS's mission. We are excited to have Edem on board as a volunteer, and we look forward to the impactful initiatives he will spearhead in his role as VSS African Correspondent. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Edem Spio as part of the VSS family! #WeGrowTogether #MentalHealthMatters #Teamwork

🌟 VSS Team Announcement! 🌟 VSS (Virtual Soccer Schools) are thrilled to introduce Matt Constable, our newest addition to the VSS team as a VSS Social Media Coordinator on a voluntary basis! With a background as a seasoned Social Media Manager and Content Creator, Matt's journey in building online communities began at the young age of 15. His passion for digital engagement flourished alongside his academic pursuits, leading to his graduation with a degree in English Language with Journalism. Matt's professional trajectory includes serving as a Social Media Manager for the UK’s largest outdoor retailer and transitioning to freelance work, focusing on collaborations with sports brands. His expertise in audience building, content creation, and social media strategy positions him perfectly to make significant contributions to VSS. Beyond his professional endeavors, Matt is passionate about supporting global charitable initiatives, aligning perfectly with VSS's mission of giving back to communities and nurturing the mental health of future generations. Currently living and working as a 'digital nomad,' Matt is based in the vibrant city of Medellin, Colombia, where he continues to thrive in his passion for digital innovation and community building. Welcome aboard, Matt! We're excited to have you on the team and look forward to the valuable contributions you'll bring to VSS.   #VSS #SocialMedia #NewTeamMember #CommunityBuilding #DigitalInnovation

In a world where setbacks are inevitable, the question "How do you deal with failure?" becomes paramount. Recently, Tim Ream from Fulham Football Club and the US Men’s National Team tackled this question head-on during a live session on VSS (Virtual Soccer Schools), make sure you check the footage out below! His insights though went beyond overcoming hurdles on the field; they delved into conquering the mental battles we all face. Tim's impactful discussion on VSS during Children's Mental Health Week 2024, in collaboration with Amazing People Schools and Jugo, showcased the true power of VSS's charitable mission. Beyond the soccer pitch, Tim generously shared powerful #mentalhealth strategies, #characterstrengths, #selfbelief, and #confidence building tips that resonate far beyond the sports arena. This experience reaffirms VSS's unwavering commitment to making a meaningful impact. It provides a valuable platform where elite professional footballers, aptly named VSS Mental Health Champions like Tim Ream, can share their journeys and valuable insights. It's not just about the game; it's about fostering #resilience, promoting mental well-being, and inspiring the next generation on their journey of growth. Let's continue this vital conversation and support each other in navigating life's challenges, ensuring that we give back to the youth and #empower them along the way. 💪🧠 #VSS #TimReam #ChildrensMentalHealthWeek #MentalHealthMatters #Empowerment #Resilience #AthleteInsights #CharitableMission Greg Alan John Edgar Richard Stirk Jaime Domínguez Pérez de Ayala Graeme Lawrie MBE Barnaby Sandow Frances Corcoran ben tegg Selena Whitehead

VSS (Virtual Soccer Schools) extends heartfelt gratitude to Amazing People Schools and Jugo for their incredible contributions to an extraordinary event during #ChildrensMentalHealthWeek2024. Together, we impacted hundreds of schools and thousands of children with #mentalhealth powerful strategies to support the next generation. Through Jugo's immersive platform, we delivered an impactful event resonating across the UK. Their innovative technology enabled us to connect with #PremierLeague footballers, delivering vital messages of mental health support and encouragement. Special kudos to the Jugo team Greg Alan John Edgar, Richard Stirk, Joshua Perrott-Hodgson, Rob Tyler, Matt Wilkins and Carl Rogers for making it all possible. We're eagerly anticipating our next collaboration, watch this space! Huge appreciation also goes to Amazing People Schools for their unwavering dedication to education and mental health. Their commitment to providing #CharacterStrengths resources aligns perfectly with the goals of Children's Mental Health Week. Massive thanks to Frances Corcoran, Selena Whitehead, Catherine Hodgkinson and ben tegg for their continuous hard work behind the scenes. Together, Amazing People Schools, Jugo, and our #PremierLeague footballers, Tim Ream and Antonee ‘Jedi’ Robinson from Fulham Football Club and US Men's National Team have made a lasting impact on countless children. Thank you for your collaboration, dedication, and passion for making a difference in the world of mental health. Let's continue to #inspire, #educate, and #empower the next generation to thrive mentally, emotionally, and physically! #ChildrensMentalHealthWeek #Empowerment #Gratitude #Innovation #Education #MentalHealthAwareness #Jugo #AmazingPeopleSchools #PremierLeague #ThankYou