Vancouver FC will host Atlético Ottawa this Saturday, September 9th for the Balanced Minds match, as part of the Foundry Amplifier Series in support of youth mental health. The goal of this match is to generate positive conversations surrounding mental health and highlight available mental health resources, especially for youth in Langley and across British Columbia.
To kick off the lead-up to the match, Vancouver FC athletes, James Cameron and Ameer Kinani, reflect on what mental health means to them. Sharing how they adapt to the unique mental challenges that come with being a professional athlete, especially in their first year.
Q: Stress and pressure are normal aspects of people’s lives but how do you think it is different for an athlete?
Kinani: “An athlete’s life is hard because you have to focus on two worlds: you have your personal life outside of soccer and your soccer life. You have to find a balance; your soccer life cannot affect your daily life and your daily life cannot affect your performance on the field.
“There is kind of a separation when you come to the facility. You try to forget about your personal problems. Then when you go home, you separate yourself from soccer and focus on your personal life to deal with your problems in the right way.”
Cameron: ”I think a big difference with an athlete compared to other professions is you constantly have to impress and entertain people to keep your job. There’s a lot more external pressure, coming into matches and training.”
Q: Why is it important to talk about mental health?
Kinani: “There’s a lot of people going through hard times, through stress, through problems. It helps a lot just by asking if ‘they’re okay’ or if ‘they need help with anything.’
“It’s really important for us as a community, as a soccer group, as people, to take care of those around us, especially youth, to see their needs and to help them and always support them so we don’t lose them. I think that’s the most important thing.”
Cameron: “I think if you’re not in the right headspace, you’re not going to perform to your highest level. Essentially, if you’re not enjoying your football, if you’re not positive and optimistic going into games and training, then you’re not going to be performing well.
“It’s very important to take care of yourself mentally, to do things that make you feel good and take your proper rest from football because the mental side is so important.”
Q: How have you seen positive encouragement help someone open up about their feelings?
Kinani: “Make sure your friends are okay by simply asking them if ‘they need help with anything.’ I think that will help a lot especially now we see people our age and you see young children going through mental health struggles because of school or family or many other reasons.
“If you need help, I feel like you should talk to someone you feel comfortable with. It could be a family member, someone at your church, or an outreach program such as Foundry, but just as long as you go where you feel it’s comfortable. It’s very important to talk to someone.”
Cameron: “Understanding that everyone has feelings and everyone has emotions can maybe ease athletes into talking about how they really feel and getting the proper help they need to deal with issues going on in their life.
“I think being able to speak out and share your true emotions honestly shows how strong you really are and it does not make you ‘look like a softie.’”
Q: Do you think speaking about your feelings benefits others?
Kinani: “When I share [my feelings], I think I give confidence to others to also share then that will get more people willing to start helping other people. There is nothing wrong with talking to your friend or your family member or to anyone that could help you.”
Cameron: “You got to understand that the emotions you’re feeling are completely normal. It’s ok to not be ok in some situations. It’s completely normal to not be happy 24/7. If you’re having issues, feel free to talk about them.
“I think no matter who you talk to is going to show empathy and care for how you feel. That could be a healing experience, it can really help build healthy relationships.”
Q: What do you do to practice positive mental health care, sometimes known as self-care?
Kinani: “I like to spend a lot of time on the lake and by the water to go swimming. I like that, especially Vancouver, there is a lot that is accessible and to just be around nature. Nature is beautiful.”
Cameron: “I like to go to the sauna. I play video games and hang out with friends. Pretty much anything non-football related is kind of my rest and recovery period.”
Mental health impacts every single person and it is important to have safe spaces to speak about it. If you need help and/or resources, Foundry Langley offers confidential mental health support for free to young people aged 12-24 and their families/supporters. To book an appointment, call 604-546-2700, or for more information including drop-in hours, please visit Foundry Langley’s website here.
Additional, mental health resources include:
Fraser Health 24-hour crisis line: 604-951-8855
Crisis Centre BC: 1-800-784-2433
Kids Help Phone – text CONNECT to 686868
Join us this Saturday for our Balanced Minds Match for Youth Mental Health and enjoy an evening of football with friends and family. Gates open at 6 p.m. for the 7 p.m. kickoff match against Atlético Ottawa. Tickets are available at Gate 1 of the Langley Events Centre or by clicking on this link.
