Laureus USA and Movember Bring Soccer & Mental Health Together at the United Nations

NEW YORK, NY — On July 19th, as the global soccer tournament came to a close,  Laureus USA, Movember, and our partners gathered young people, sporting legends, and key stakeholders on the North Lawn of the United Nations for a first-of-its-kind event where soccer met conversations around mental health,. This activation was held as part of the UN’s “One World, One Goal, One Game” flagship initiative on Youth Mental Health and Well-Being, advancing an important shift from fragmented, individual approaches to a holistic ecosystem model.

Through interactive, community-based activities at the event, youth participants engaged in hands-on learning, storytelling, and experiential exercises designed to open up conversations around mental health, all through the lens of soccer. Two of the four stations were based on Movember’s Game Changers program that provides young people with the practical tools and language for talking about mental health with their peers, coaches, and communities.

“At Movember, we know that mental health is shaped by the environments where young people learn, play, and build relationships. Through our Game Changers program, we’ve seen how sport can build connection, belonging, and resilience, helping young people develop skills that last a lifetime.” said Tim Gnaneswaran, Movember U.S. Country Director. “We’re proud to be working with our partners Laureus USA and the UN Youth Office in support of our shared efforts to create communities where every young person can thrive.”

The event kicked off with remarks from Dr. Felipe Paullier, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs and head of the UN Youth Office, setting the tone for an afternoon centered on young people’s wellbeing. He was joined by soccer legends Mauro Silva, Daniel Amokachi, Gilberto Silva, and Maca Sánchez, along with basketball legend Pops Mensah-Bonsu, whose presence underscored the power of sport to bring generations and communities together around a shared cause.

The event was built around the idea that sport can be more than a game, it can be a gateway to connection, and it reflects a growing movement to use sport as a tool for youth mental health education – meeting kids where they already are, on the field. A special thank you to New York Scores, Grassroot Soccer and the Special Olympics for leading stations!#SportforGood

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