Forward Madison FC Releases Prematch Top For Mental Health Awareness Month
Madison, WI – Forward Madison FC has released a new prematch top in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. The top will be worn by the FMFC players before every match during the month of May, and is now available to purchase online or in-person at the FMFC Team Store.
“Our club knows that our strength on the field is only part of the game,” said FMFC COO Conor Caloia. “Mental health is as vital as physical health, so just as we train our bodies to perform at peak levels, it’s equally important to prioritize our mental well-being. By releasing this prematch top for Mental Health Awareness Month, we aim to destigmatize mental health issues and foster a culture of openness and understanding.”
The silver kit features several self-affirmation phrases across the front and back of the jersey. The main phrase, “Keep Moving Forward”, is written backward in bold, green lettering, intended for the wearer to read the phrase left-to-right in the mirror. Forward’s main kit sponsor, Dairyland, is featured on the bottom left and back of the kit, while the Just Coffee logo adorns the sleeve. A small soccer semi-colon is located in the bottom right to indicate that no one’s story is over.
Along with wearing the kit, the Forward Madison captain will wear a special, green armband in May with the “Keep Moving Forward” phrase and several self-affirmations written on it. The armband will be included with all pre-match top purchases and additional home-match ticket packages.
A Mental Health Awareness merchandise capsule is also available and includes t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and a scarf with the phrase “Keep Moving Forward”. A few items have the phrase on the cuffs of the sleeve, written upside down, so the wearer can read the phrase while wearing the product. Every item is available now in the Team Store for fans to purchase.
For every item sold in the Mental Health Awareness merchandise capsule, as well as every prematch top sold, 25% of proceeds will be donated to the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI). NAMI provides education, support, and advocacy for people affected by mental illness. From May 24th at 10am until the 70th minute of the match on May 25th, the club will also be auctioning off each player’s game worn tops and the captain’s armband, each item signed. 100% of the proceeds from the auction will go to NAMI, as well.
Next up, FMFC will play a regular-season League match against Greenville Triumph at Breese Stevens Field. The match will kickoff on Saturday, May 4th at 6pm CT. Fans can purchase tickets to the match here or through the Mental Health Armband Ticket Pack, which includes a ticket to the game and a captain’s armband for $28. $5 from each pack sold will also be donated to NAMI.
Mental Health Resources:
Mental Health Facts and Statistics
Dane County 24-hour Crisis Line: 608-280-2600
National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988