BUREF Manual – Building resilience through football

Mental health is an increasingly critical topic in society today. Many young people experience various forms of social and emotional distress and are in need of support. Unfortunately, most of them are unable to access the help they require.

In some cases, this is due to a lack of awareness about the challenges they are facing. At other times, the solutions lie within them, but they simply do not know how to approach or manage the situation. There are also instances where external support is necessary, yet young people may not know where to find it. Even when they do, fear of stigma or being perceived as weak by their peers and the community often prevents them from seeking help.

The BUREF approach addresses these barriers by providing a safe and supportive space—on the football pitch—where young people can learn about key mental health topics and improve their self-awareness. Through this approach, participants are empowered to:

• Enhance their mental and emotional well-being,
• Build resilience, and
• Understand when and how to seek support.

What makes this model unique is that it is peer-led and play-based, ensuring that learning happens in a relatable, engaging, and non-threatening environment.