Tottenham star Harry Kane has launched the ‘Harry Kane Foundation’, which seeks to normalise conversations about mental health, BBC Sport have revealed.
Footballers are open to plenty of public scrutiny, given how much the sport means to its fans, especially these days since most of them are on social media.
The topic of mental health has been discussed a lot more over recent years, and Kane has now decided to lend his voice, launching a foundation that seeks to change the perceptions behind the subject.
The report explains that the foundation seeks to contribute towards ending the stigma around the topic. Kane remarked that he wants to learn more about mental health and use his influence to encourage others to ask for help if they are in need of it.
The striker said: “It marks the start of my journey to learn more about mental health and use my position hopefully to encourage others to look after their mental health, be their best and not be afraid to ask for help.
“While I’m far from an expert on the subject, I’ve learnt that there is a growing number of people who need to learn positive coping strategies and build resilience to deal with adversity.
“I am excited to be working in support of some amazing organisations and causes close to my heart.”
BBC Sport also revealed that Kane will make his debut on CBeebies Bedtime Stories this week, with the 29-year-old set to read The Lion Inside by Rachel Bright to the nation’s children.
The story, which follows a shy mouse who goes on a journey to find his roar, will be read by the England captain on CBeebies at 18:50 BST on Monday, 10 October and on BBC iPlayer.
Spurs Web Opinion
Given the abuse that Kane gets on social media despite achieving so much in the game, I often wonder how difficult it must be for the 29-year-old to cope with all that, and never bite back.
I believe famous personalities like him must speak about the topic of mental health so that the stigma is removed, especially with men, many of whom often refrain from talking about their mental struggles due to gender stereotypes.