Concept and Implementation
The Panhellenic Football Championship for Mental Health is an initiative developed by K.S.D.E.O. EDRA and the Hellenic Football Federation (HFF).
It forms part of the Federation’s social development program “Same Field”, a key component of the six-year national plan “Football Everywhere”, approved by UEFA.
The Collaboration
The idea for the Championship originated from the earlier partnership between the two organizations during the 1st European Sports Event for Mental Health, organized by EDRA in Athens in 2018.
That successful collaboration laid the foundation for ongoing initiatives that promote mental health through sport.
Program Value
The Championship aims to encourage active participation and social inclusion of people living with mental health conditions through football, the world’s most popular sport.
Through this annual event, it promotes physical exercise, mental well-being, and community connection, while raising public awareness and combating the stigma associated with mental illness.
The Championship provides a national platform that showcases the positive impact of exercise, teamwork, and collaboration on mental health, while fostering a culture of inclusion and understanding across society.
Annual Championships
1st Panhellenic Football Championship for Mental Health (2019)
Organized by EDRA and the Hellenic Football Federation (HFF) in September 2019, the first Championship brought together 20 teams from mental health organizations across Greece, including 182 service users and mental health professionals.
The initiative received national recognition, winning distinctions at the Bravo Awards (“Bravo in Action” category) and the Event Awards, where it earned the Bronze Award.
2nd Panhellenic Football Championship for Mental Health (2022)
Held from 19 to 21 September 2022 at the Municipal Stadium of Voula, the second Championship featured 19 teams from across Greece, with approximately 90 participants and 60 professionals.
This event was honored at the Sports Marketing Awards 2023, further enhancing the Championship’s reputation as an important initiative promoting mental health through sport.
3rd Panhellenic Football Championship for Mental Health (2023)
The third Championship continued the strong tradition, hosting 20 mental health organizations and 183 participants — both service users and professionals — in a celebration of inclusion and teamwork.
4th Panhellenic Football Championship for Mental Health (2024)
Held on 16, 17 and 18 September 2024, the fourth Championship once again highlighted the significance of sport in promoting mental health and social reintegration for people supported by mental health services.
5th Panhellenic Football Championship for Mental Health (2025)
The fifth Championship is scheduled for 24, 25 and 26 November 2025, promising another powerful event dedicated to inclusion, empowerment, and the benefits of sport for mental well-being.
A Celebration of Team Spirit and Mental Well-Being
Each year, participants look forward to giving their best, promoting the sense of joy, teamwork, and empowerment that football inspires.
Stay tuned for updates, news, and results from upcoming and past Championships.
