Independence Blue Cross is extending its support of HeadFirst, an initiative of the Philadelphia Union Foundation focused on enhancing mental fitness for youth soccer players.

HeadFirst is one of the foundation’s signature programs and is designed to give players, parents, and coaches the tools and resources they need to positively impact players’ mental health — which is just as important as their physical health.

“Mental fitness is absolutely critical to any athlete’s overall well-being, especially youth athletes,” said Gregg Holgate, Interim Executive Director of the Philadelphia Union Foundation. “As we look to be a force of positive change in our communities, it is clear that we have to address mental health. Through HeadFirst, we have already reached more than 6,500 local youth soccer players, their parents, and their coaches. With Independence Blue Cross’s long-term commitment and generous support, we will be able to help thousands more young athletes build their mental fitness.”

HeadFirst reaches players, parents, and coaches through in-person coaching sessions called A Happier U, as well as tailored digital mental health toolkits focused on topics including depression, grief, social media use, anxiety, and bullying.

“HeadFirst brings critical conversations about mental health directly to the field, so that student athletes, coaches, and caregivers can participate at a level that’s both appropriate and impactful for each group,” said Dr. Rodrigo Cerdá, IBX’s Senior Vice President of Health Services and Chief Medical Officer. “The Philadelphia Union Foundation has created a safe space for youth in our region to embrace the importance of both physical and mental fitness. We believe in fostering whole-person health and are excited to support HeadFirst in its efforts to reach more players on and off the field.”

Learn more about HeadFirst, a groundbreaking program providing support within the soccer community.