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Surrey Youth Football Club Demands Better Mental Health Standards
14 Nov
Summary
- New Phoenixes U15s club founded in May 2025 to provide safe, supportive environment
- Club co-manager calls for FA and local leagues to improve guidance and oversight
- Some players joined after "negative experiences" at other clubs
- Concerns over aggressive coaching and "winning at all costs" mentality
In November 2025, a new community football club in Surrey, the Phoenixes U15s, is calling for the Football Association (FA) and local leagues to improve guidance and oversight in order to prioritize player welfare across grassroots and elite pathways.
The Phoenixes U15s was formed under the Alexandra United FC in Epsom and Ewell and currently has 14 players. Co-manager Anjali Healy says the club was founded in May 2025 to provide a safe, supportive environment for young players. Some of the Phoenixes' players had joined the club after experiencing "negative experiences elsewhere," including managers yelling at them in aggressive language and instilling a strong "winning at all costs" mentality.
Healy emphasizes that young players "deserve safe, supportive environments where development and enjoyment come first." She wants to see more one-on-one mentorship at clubs and for good sportsmanship to be rewarded. The Phoenixes encourage their players to communicate their concerns, including preferences for playing positions and individual feedback on skill improvement.
The Surrey Football Association's spokesperson, Kirk Ritchie, states that the FA's Grassroots Code outlines "expected behaviours" focused on enjoying the game, showing respect, being inclusive, working together, and playing safely. However, Healy believes more can be done to eradicate poor practices and truly prioritize player welfare.
