A local football manager has highlighted the effect lockdown is having on players mental health, as the lower league game remains suspended.
Steven Sharp, 30, stepped into the roll of manager at Stoneyburn Juniors in West Lothian during lockdown, and has seen firsthand the impacts it has had on the game.
Currently, lockdown rules only allow league one football to continue, a move which Steven believes will be having a huge effect on most in the lower leagues.
Speaking to Edinburgh Live, he said:
"It's been a tough and difficult time because my time has been so limited with the players and I haven't been able to implement my plans for the club.
"When I first got the job around nine or ten months ago we were in lockdown, so we couldn't get our players on the pitch, it was all done online, things like zoom calls and texts."
Although in total agreement with the rules in place, Steven, from Fauldhouse, explained that he does not feel enough is being done to support mental health during the pandemic.
He added: "Of course, the pandemic and situation we're in is very frightening, but the implications mentally should also be highlighted.
"For us, the guys have managed to get through it pretty well, and we've been checking in through texts and calls to make sure they are doing okay.
"But I do know a lot of people in football who have been struggling with their mental health."
Reflecting on the importance of the game, Steven stated that the sport can be a lifeline for many who are experiencing, stress or isolation.
"Some people would say oh what's the fuss, it's just football, it's just guys kicking a ball of air about, but it's so much more than that", he said.
"Football is about culture, routine and togetherness, it gives so many people a chance to release from their daily lives.
"When they watch or play they have a chance to escape real life and forget about the struggles they may be going through and that's essential.
"For those who aren't able to do that, it must be extremely tough.
After running a mental health initiative for the club last year, Steven urged that everyone, especially young men, should feel like they can reach out.
"Football isn't just important for the players mental health", he said, "it can also be vital for the fans who head down every Saturday or committee members that are so involved.
"This year, it's been frightening to see how many people have taken their own lives and the impact this is having needs to be highlighted.
"We as a club have tried to do everything we can, and when restrictions were eased we launched a mental health initiative and invited some retired players to come in and talk about their experiences,
"I have also been checking in with the players, mental health has always been very important to me.
"Football is usually about rivalry and competition, but right now we all need to come together and support each other so that we have a game to return to."
