LUKE LITTLER has teamed up with rugby legend Jonny Wilkinson for a campaign fighting male loneliness through sport.
World champion Littler, 19, is among a host of massive sporting names joining the government for the campaign, which launched on Monday.
The week-long initiative, named ‘Team Up,’ hopes to “show how sport can help them find safe, welcoming spaces to make friends, build support networks, and feel part of a community.”
The efforts come in response to one in four men aged 11-24 claiming that they feel lonely some or all of the time.
The campaign will run until February first, with members of the public being able to get involved in a variety of events and initiatives at local venues and clubs around the country.
The project is being backed by sports organisations nationwide, including the Premier League, EFL, Rugby Football League, England and Wales Cricket Board and the Lawn Tennis Association.
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The program is also backed by other names such as top darts star Luke Humphries, English Ashes centurion Jacob Bethell, and boxing superstar Conor Benn.
The stars have come together to back the project, while reflecting on the positive influence that sports can have on individuals’ social life and mental health.
Wilkinson said: “It’s definitely not wrong to feel isolated – to feel lonely, on your own, challenged, stressed, to feel all those kind of things. It sure can be tough, but it’s definitely not out of the ordinary.
“I’m supporting this campaign because of the power of sport, the power of activity, of getting together with other like-minded people.
“The power of sharing, letting go, being able to experience that connection with people. Coming together through sport is a special thing and it can change lives.”
Darts No2 Humphries added: “I’ve seen first-hand how important connection and community are within darts.
“Whether you’re playing, watching, or supporting, feeling part of something can have a really positive effect on wellbeing.”
More details on the initiative and how to get involved can be found on the Team Up campaign page.
