Thank you to for donating his time for photography
In light of men’s mental health awareness the University of Leeds Rugby League and American Football clubs have teamed up to raise money for the James Burke Foundation and CALM. Both charities work to raise awareness of male mental health and provide support services, with the James Burke Foundation being set up in memory of a University of Leeds student.
“In April of this year we lost a teammate named James Burke to suicide. This affected not only the club but everyone who knew him. We wanted to do something to make a difference and raise awareness of mental health to make sure this never affected another club in our university again. After speaking to American Football we found out they were in a similar situation so with both clubs having been affected by mental health and suicide we decided to pull together and make a collective effort to change the stigma that comes with mental health.
We want to encourage both men and women to speak out and know that its ok, to not be ok”
Andrew Marks, Rugby League
Kyle, who was a teammate of James has written a blog about what happened and you can read it on our Leeds Sport blog.
You can support the clubs throughout November to help raise funds and awareness of mental health by getting involved in one of the many exciting events:
Clean Shave
What’s in store?
To kick off the month of events the guys from Boris&Co are coming to University Square in LUU (opposite Santander) to give out free cutthroat shaves from a professional barber (worth £25).
So if you’re planning to do Movember, or just haven’t had a shave for a while then come along and get a clean shave and throw a few coins into the donation buckets to support the mental health charities.
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Where? Opposite Santander, LUU
When? 1st November, 10am – 4pm, drop in whenever
Cost? Throw a few coins into the buckets to support the charities
Pizza & Pool
What’s in store?
Come and enjoy some free pizza and pool in the Loft (above Blackwells, opposite the Parkinson Building). it’s a great place to chill out with some mates and have a chat.———————
Where? The Loft, above Blackwells, opposite the Parkinson Building
When? Fridays in November 2-4pm
Cost? FreeMove for Mental Health - 4th November, 9am
Whats in store?
Support the American Football and Rugby League clubs by getting involved in the Woodhouse Moor parkrun with them. This free fun 5k run (or walk) is a great way to start your weekend!———————
Where? Woodhouse Moor, Red Boots Statue opposite the Business School
When? 4th November, 9am
Cost? FreeBirthday Game
Whats in store?
Come and watch the University of Leeds Rugby League Club take on Leeds Beckett in this Varsity re-match at Bodington Playing Fields. Taking place on the birthday of James Burke there will be a minutes pause before the match in his memory.Our University cheerleaders will also be at the match with a half time routine and following the game there will be a post match party at Pyramid in LUU, details below.
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Where? Sports Park Weetwood
When? 8th November, 2pm KO
Cost? FreePyramid Party
Whats in store?
Drinks, a raffle, and a player pledge auction to help raise money for both of the amazing causes that support men’s mental health awareness.
As if that wasn’t enough, freestyle dance will be performing and the cocktails that each of these teams has designed; Cool Rummings and Pornstashe Martini will be on sale at the event and throughout the whole month of November, with a pound of each cocktail sold going to the charities. Non alcoholic drinks will also be available at the bar.
This is the perfect place to start your Wednesday night and support these mental health charities.
Yorkshire Carnegie v Bristol
Whats in store?
Get down to Headingley to see Yorkshire Carnegie take on Bristol on Friday 17th November. As well as the rugby, there will be live music from Hyde Park Brass Band ahead of the game and at half time. Plus you’ll spot the boys bucket shaking around the ground raising money for our two fantastic causes. If you see them, throw a few pennies their way!
Movie Night
Whats in store?
Come and enjoy a film in the comfort of LUU, there’ll even be popcorn! American Football have chosen The Longest Yard, and Rugby League have chosen Cool Runnings. We’ll be heading to twitter to vote for the one you’d like to watch so check out @leeds_sport on Monday to get your votes in.———————
Where? Pyramid Theatre
When? Friday 24th November, Bar Open 6pm, Film Starts 6.30pm
Cost? Pay as you feelMovember Fruity
Whats in store?
Everyone’s favourite Friday night out will have a Movember twist! The American Football and Rugby League club will be there with donation buckets so make sure you drop in a few coins to support the charities and get yourself to Terrace for some pre-fruity cocktails made by the clubs; Cool Rummings and Pornstache Martini. A pound from these goes towards the charities.———————
Where? Terrace and Stylus, LUU
When? 24th November, 7pm
Cost? £4.50 for Fruity and make sure you throw a few coins into the buckets to support the charities
Check out everything that’s happening by following Leeds Sport and the Clubs on social media…
