The ManWell Cup 2026: More Than Football, A Community Coming Together

Last Sunday at the Campo de Futbol in Son Ferrer, something genuinely special happened.

The ManWell Cup returned, bringing together players, families, businesses, volunteers, yacht crew, supporters and local charities from across Mallorca for a day centred around football, community and mental health awareness. By the end of the tournament, more than €5,000 had been raised for Cancer Support Group Mallorca, Street Angels Spain and Yachting Gives Back, but the impact of the day stretched far beyond fundraising alone.

What stood out most was the wonderful, supportive and fun atmosphere.

Children continued kicking footballs around long after matches had finished. Families sat together on the side lines. Strangers became teammates. Conversations happened naturally between people from completely different walks of life. There was competition and banter, of course, but underneath it all was something deeper, a reminder that connection, purpose and belonging matter enormously for mental wellbeing.

The ManWell Cup was never designed to be “just” a football tournament.

At The Gap Counselling and Training Centre, we know that many men still struggle to engage with traditional conversations around mental health. That does not mean they are unaffected by stress, anxiety, loneliness or emotional pressure. More often, it means they process those experiences differently.

Many men talk side-by-side rather than face-to-face.

They open up while walking, training, working, driving or playing sport. Football creates one of those environments where connection can happen naturally, without pressure or formality. A teammate asking “You alright?” in the middle of training can sometimes become more meaningful than people realise.

Modern life has removed many of the places where men once built regular social connection. Long working hours, remote communication, screen-based lifestyles and fragmented communities mean many people can go days without meaningful interaction outside of work responsibilities.

Sport cuts through that isolation.

Training sessions create routine. Teams create accountability. Shared goals create belonging. Even something as simple as a group chat asking where you are can matter to somebody struggling mentally.

That is one of the reasons events like the ManWell Cup feel important.

For the yachting community especially, these conversations matter enormously. Mallorca is home to thousands of yacht crew and marine professionals who often work long hours under pressure while living away from family support networks. From the outside, yachting can appear glamorous, but behind the scenes many crew members experience exhaustion, stress, burnout and loneliness.

Community events create opportunities for people to reconnect outside of work environments. They create spaces where people can simply exist together as human beings rather than job titles.

At The Gap Counselling and Training Centre, we continue to see growing demand for therapy in Mallorca, particularly among expats, yacht crew and professionals balancing high-pressure lifestyles. Access to counselling services Mallorca residents can trust, including counselling in English in Mallorca and online counselling sessions, is becoming increasingly important as awareness around mental health continues to grow.

This year’s tournament also carried deep emotional significance as it honoured the life of Duncan Geraldes, who recently passed away following cancer. One of the competing teams played under the name “Duncan FC” in tribute to him, placing his football boots beside the goal in recognition of his love for the game. Duncan’s wife and children attended alongside friends, teammates and supporters, and throughout the day there was a strong sense that the event had become something much bigger than football alone.

It became a celebration of community.

None of this would have been possible without the support of volunteers, players, organisers and sponsors. Huge thanks go to Origin, Super Yacht Publications, A-Z Yachting, Sandberg Estates, Pirates Adventure, Globo Balear, Wave Wellness, Martec Marine, Olive Tree and Triple A Rentals for helping make the day possible. The event was held at the Campo de Futbol, Son Ferrer where the pitches were kindly lent by the BVB International Academy Mallorca for the day

We would also like to thank Euro Weekly News, The Islander Magazine and the Majorca Daily Bulletin for supporting coverage of the event and helping us continue raising awareness around mental health within the Mallorca community.

Congratulations to “Rubber Ducks”, winners of the U12s tournament, and “Street Angels Safe Space”, winners of the adult competition. But ultimately, the real success of the day was seeing people come together, support one another and create an environment where conversations around mental health could happen naturally.

The next ManWell Cup is planned for November. If you or somebody you know would like to get involved with a team before then, contact Craig Doran on +34 618 26 50 80.

You can also find out more about counselling, coaching, training, therapy and online counselling support through The Gap Counselling and Training Centre at www.thegapcounselling.com.

FAQ: Sport, Football and Mental Health

Why is sport good for mental health?

Sport helps improve mental health in several ways. Physical exercise reduces stress hormones while increasing endorphins linked to mood and emotional regulation. Team sports also create social connection, routine and a sense of belonging, all of which are important protective factors for mental wellbeing.

Why is football particularly good for men’s mental health?

Football combines physical exercise with teamwork, accountability and community. Many men find it easier to connect emotionally while doing an activity side-by-side rather than sitting in formal conversations. Football naturally creates opportunities for support, friendship and connection.

Can sport help reduce anxiety and stress?

Yes. Regular exercise has been strongly linked to reduced anxiety, improved sleep, lower stress levels and improved concentration. Team environments can also reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Why does community matter for mental wellbeing?

Humans are social by nature. Feeling connected, supported and included can make a major difference to emotional resilience. Community events, sports teams and shared activities help people feel less isolated during difficult periods of life.

Is counselling available in English in Mallorca?

Yes. The Gap Counselling and Training Centre offers counselling in English in Mallorca, alongside coaching, workshops and online counselling sessions for clients both on and off the island.

Does online counselling actually work?

For many people, yes. Online counselling provides flexibility and accessibility, especially for yacht crew, travelling professionals and people balancing busy schedules. Many clients find online sessions just as effective as face-to-face support.

Thanks to all of our amazing volunteers who worked so hard to make this event a success!

Our thanks to Oliver Neilson from Phoenix Media for these fantastic images of the matches!