Here are the top ‘off the pitch’ stories from this week…
Tackle the Tough Stuff: Betfred Super League
Super League’s biggest ever mental and physical health campaign starts here, ahead of the Wellbeing Round of matches on July 11th and 12th. In partnership with several leading charities, the Tackle the Tough Stuff campaign will highlight the most pressing issues in men’s mental health. Men are three times as likely to commit suicide as women and, on average, 84 men take their lives every week. (we probably need to attribute this quote – Samaritans is the three times more likely line, not sure about the 84) A variety of on-field activities are planned across Super League matches over the next few weeks and several high-profile current and former players have shared their deeply personal stories – from struggling with sexuality and body image to dealing with depression and anxiety. View video here.

London Irish Foundation launched
The Chief Executive of the new Foundation, which is based in Sunbury-on-Thames, is Andy Keast, formerly Head of Community at London Irish. Andy Keast said: “This is an exciting development in the history of London Irish. The club has an established and successful record of community engagement. The Foundation will take that to another level and deliver projects that use the power of sport to make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of individuals, and build a meaningful and sustainable legacy for sport and education across the communities we serve.” Read more here.
Emerald Headingley Stadium and Sodexo announce £100m partnership
The Yorkshire County Cricket Club (YCCC) and Leeds Cricket, Football and Athletics (LCF&A) has awarded a 15 year contract to Sodexo, a leading global services company, worth over £100m in total turnover. The contract will see Sodexo build on its eight-year partnership with YCCC and LCF&A to provide world class hospitality and public catering at the Emerald Headingley Stadium – home of Yorkshire County Cricket Club and Leeds Rhinos. Read more here.