Sun 27 Sep 2026, 17:19
Glentoran Football Club welcomed members of Whataboutye M.A.T.Es and their families to The BetMcLean Oval as part of a week of activity focused on men’s mental health.
Whataboutye M.A.T.Es, which stands for Men And Their Emotions, is a Northern Ireland social enterprise working to reach men before they arrive at a point of crisis.
The organisation gives men practical ways to talk about how they are feeling, whether during a walk, in the workplace or privately through its digital services.
Its support includes Walk Talk Connect sessions, workplace toolbox talks and two free apps, including a private wellbeing check in tool.
Members visited The Oval on Thursday evening, where official tour guide John Moore took them behind the scenes and shared stories from the Club’s history.
Following the tour, they joined members of the Glentoran first team squad for a walk before returning to the stadium for tea, coffee and time to chat.
The evening brought people together through a shared love of football and created a comfortable setting for open conversation.
Members returned with their families on Saturday as guests of the Club for Glentoran’s Family Day fixture against Carrick Rangers.
Marcus Kane, Captain of Glentoran said: “Men do not always find it easy to say when they are struggling. Sometimes the first conversation begins with something as simple as going for a walk, talking about football and knowing someone is there to listen.
“That is what makes the work of Whataboutye M.A.T.Es so important. They give men the chance to connect in a way that feels natural, comfortable and free from judgement.
“It was a privilege for us as players to join the group for the walk and spend some time with them afterwards. There was a genuine warmth throughout the evening and the conversations flowed very naturally.
“It was also great to see the members return with their families for Saturday’s game. The Oval belongs to the whole community and we want everyone who comes here to feel welcome and part of the Club.
“Football cannot solve every challenge, but it can bring people together and create the space for an important conversation to begin. If this initiative helped someone take that first step, it was incredibly worthwhile.”
Kyle Rae from Whataboutye M.A.T.Es said: “For many men, the hardest part is saying out loud that things are not okay. Walking alongside someone and talking about football can make that first conversation feel far less daunting.
“From the moment we arrived at The Oval, the group felt completely at ease. Having members of the first team join the walk and give their time so openly meant a great deal to everyone involved.
“Coming back with our families for Saturday’s game reinforced that sense of belonging. It showed our members that they were not simply attending an event, but were being welcomed into the Glentoran community.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone at the Club. When an institution like Glentoran creates space for men to connect and speak honestly, it sends a powerful message that nobody has to struggle on their own.”
The initiative reflects Glentoran’s wider commitment to being a football club that serves its community, using its reach to encourage honest conversations, strengthen connections and ensure anyone facing a difficult time knows they do not have to face it alone.
