Azaz highlights mental health impact with visit to Saints By Your Side
Southampton midfielder Finn Azaz visited St Mary’s Stadium this week to meet participants of Saints Foundation’s Saints By Your Side project, a project dedicated to supporting men’s mental health across the local community.
Azaz spent the evening speaking with participants, learning about their personal journeys, and seeing first-hand how the club’s charitable arm is using football as a catalyst for connection and wellbeing. The visit highlighted the Foundation’s commitment to providing safe spaces for men to talk openly about their mental health.
During the session, Azaz joined group discussions, took part in activities designed to build resilience and connections with their peers, and heard from staff about the growing need for mental‑health support in Southampton. The midfielder praised the programme’s impact, noting how vital it is for football clubs to play an active role in supporting their communities.
Saints By Your Side offers weekly sessions at St Mary’s Stadium, bringing men together to share experiences, build friendships, and access professional guidance. The initiative forms part of the Foundation’s wider mission to transform lives through the power of Southampton FC.
Health Projects Manager, Paul Hedges said:
“Supporting people’s mental wellbeing is one of the most important things we do, and it’s an area where the club’s presence in the community truly matters. Through projects like Saints By Your Side, Talking Tactics, and our Extra Time Hub, we’re able to reach men, young people, and fans right where they are, in spaces they already trust. Having a player like Finn take the time to meet participants shows just how committed Southampton FC is to standing alongside its community. That connection between club and city gives our work real power, and it’s helping people feel seen, supported, and never alone.”
Saints Foundation currently delivers three key mental‑health initiatives:
Saints By Your Side
— A weekly programme at St Mary’s Stadium offering men a safe, supportive space to talk, connect, and improve their wellbeing through guided activities and peer support.
Talking Tactics
— A project designed for
young people
, helping them understand emotions, develop coping strategies, and build resilience through sport‑based sessions and 1:1 mentoring.
Extra Time Hub
— Part of the Premier League’s
Together Against Suicide
initiative, this matchday support hub provides a welcoming space for fans at St Mary’s. Volunteers and trained staff are on hand to offer conversation, guidance, and signposting to anyone who may be struggling.
Together, these projects form a comprehensive pathway of support for fans and residents of all ages, ensuring the club plays an active role in promoting mental wellbeing across Southampton.
With thanks to our funding and delivery partners; Premier League Foundation, Professional Footballers Association, Ex-Saints Association and Advantage Mentoring.
If you or anyone you know could benefit from mental health support through Saints Foundation or any of our partner services, please click the link below to find out more:
