Finn Azaz visits Saints By Your Side to support men's mental health

Southampton midfielder Finn Azaz visited St Mary’s Stadium this week to meet with members of the Saints By Your Side project. The initiative is a part of the Saints Foundation and focuses on providing mental health support for men within the local community.

During the visit, Azaz participated in group discussions and joined activities intended to foster peer connections and build resilience. He spent time listening to the personal experiences of the participants and learned how the club uses football to encourage wellbeing and social connection. The midfielder noted the importance of football clubs taking an active role in community support.

The Saints By Your Side programme operates through weekly sessions at the stadium. These meetings provide a safe environment where men can share their experiences, form friendships, and receive professional guidance. This project is one of three primary mental health initiatives currently managed by the Saints Foundation.

In addition to the weekly sessions, the Foundation runs the Talking Tactics programme. This initiative uses sport-based sessions and one-on-one mentoring to help individuals understand their emotions and develop coping strategies. The club also operates the Extra Time Hub, which serves as a matchday support centre at St Mary’s Stadium. This hub provides a space for fans to access guidance and conversation from trained staff and volunteers.

These combined efforts aim to create a support pathway for residents and fans of all ages in Southampton. The Foundation's work is supported by several partners, including the Premier League Foundation, the Professional Footballers Association, Advantage Mentoring, and the Ex-Saints Association.