When do we find out what country we will be representing?

Each team that takes part gets three choices for what country they would like to represent. Teams are than allocated countries based on their fundraising performance with a priority given to teams that raise the most in the quickest period. Teams are announced at the Mental Health World Cup draw that takes place in March, two months before the event.

 

How many minutes do you play on the pitch?

Ten to thirteen minutes for each game depending on the event you’ve entered. Each team is guaranteed a minimum of one hour on the pitch in total and a lot more if you get to the final on the day

 

What do players need to wear?

We provide the tops for all the footballers who take part in the Mental Health World Cup. Each team will have 8 tops in standard sizes which are 1 x Medium, 5 x Large and 2 x X-Large. For the Watford event, Kelme have provided the shorts also. All players need appropriate footwear for the pitch and recommend shin pads.

 

Where do the players get dressed and are shower facilities available?

Depending on the package and route you’ve taken will depend on what’s offered. For example, the home dressing rooms are available for our headline sponsors, if you haven’t got an exclusive package, most teams will generally have to use the stadium or toilets to get dressed on the day. Showers will be available on the day in the changing rooms after we’ve kicked off but will only be available for a limited time. At QPR we have an arrangement with PowerLeague Shepherd’s Bush where we can use their showers if the ones in the dressing rooms are unavailable. At Watford, I'm afraid we haven't got use of their shower facilities.

 

What is the level of the football played and are teams mixed?

With a diverse range of teams taking part the level is mixed, from beginner to semi-professional, the main thing we’ve found over the years is that everyone respects everyone on the pitch and gives it a good try. We’re a fully inclusive event and on average have 10% female players on the day with several mixed teams regularly taking part.

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How do I find out who's signed up for our team?

If you head to your Tournify page for the event you're attending, select the MY TEAM tab and that will show you all the countries and teams taking part. To view players, select the slider at the top left hand corner that reads SHOW PLAYER IN TEAMS. Once that is on you can view all the players who have registered. If you need to make any changes, contact us ASAP. To register a player, contact your team captain who will have all the details. 

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How do I collect my tickets and pass through the players entrance?

Each team should arrive together as the 8. Stewards will be waiting to take your team name and captain who has been organising your participation. Only players can pass through the players entrance unless you have special dispensation from the organisers. All other supporters of the team must go through the spectators entrance.

 

What’s the format?

All the details and timings for this year’s event can be found through the Tournify platform. Download the app and search MHWC to find this year’s event or follow the links below.

Watford FC Fixtures

QPR Friday Fixtures

QPR Saturday Fixtures

32 team event (Watford and QPR Saturday)

8 groups with 4 teams in each group

Round Robin

Knockouts (Top 2 each group) progress until Final
Wooden Spoon (Bottom 2 each group) progress until Final

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40 team event (QPR Friday)

8 groups with 5 teams in each group

Round Robin

Knockouts (Top 4 each group) progress until Final
Wooden Spoon (Bottom team from each group) progress until Final

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What are the rules for 5-a-side?

Format

Games last 10 to 13 minutes in total with 2 minutes between matches to rotate the teams. Time is managed centrally and the games are designed to keep running. Reminder this is a charity football event and should be played in that spirit.

Lateness

Use Tourify to ensure you know what pitch to play on at what time. If you’re late, every minute a team is late, the opposing team gains one goal up to a maximum of 5.

Substitutions

Substitutions can be made at any point during the game and are “rolling” but must notify the referee. Play will not stop for substitutions. There is no limit to the amount of substitutions a team can make.

Goalkeepers and Goal Areas

Only the designated goalkeeper is allowed inside the designated goal area. If there are two players in the designated goal area during a shot from the opposition then a penalty will be given. If the goalkeeper leaves the area for any reason during play then a penalty will be given to the opposing team. If any defending players touch the ball in the area a penalty may be given at the referee’s discretion. If an attacking player goes into the goal area, a goal kick will be awarded. If the attacker’s foot is inside the area when they shoot, the goal will be disallowed. If momentum takes the attacker into the area but the shot left their foot before their foot entered into the area the goal will be given. Goalkeepers can roll, throw or kick the ball out. If the goalkeeper throws, kicks or rolls the ball out over head height an indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team from the kick off spot.

Free Kicks

All free kicks must be taken indirectly. The ball must be placed at the point of the foul and can be taken by any player. The opposing team must be one metre from the ball when a free kick is taken. Goals will not be awarded if scored directly from a free kick. A free kick can be given for one of the following: (1) the ball going over head height, whether that be a deflection or kicked directly from a player. It’s whoever it hits last. (2) charging (3) roughness (4) handball (5) dangerous play (6) time wasting The referee is able to include a sin bin for two minutes as well as a free kick if they feel it’s necessary.

Slide Tackles

Slide tackles are not allowed. Any player using them will be sin binned and sent off for repeat offence

Back Passes

Back passes to the goalkeeper ARE allowed. The goalkeeper is allowed to pick the ball up from a back pass. Multiple back passes to a goalkeeper will be reviewed at the referee’s discretion and a free kick can be awarded if they feel it’s getting ridiculous.

A free kick will be awarded against the last player to touch the ball before it goes above head height.

Head Height

Head height is taken at the height of the crossbar, any ball kicked over that height results in a free kick.Any rebounds off goalkeepers that go over head height will result in play carrying on.

Penalties

The penalty taker can only take one step before their penalty kick. The penalty taker is not permitted to run-up to the ball before taking the shot.

Respect

The referee’s decisions on the pitch are final.