A night at Wembley: Triumph, emotion and healing with Liverpool FC
By Luke Newman, founder of ‘For Men To Talk’
As a devoted Liverpool FC fan, the opportunity to witness my favourite team live at Wembley Stadium was a dream come true. Little did I know that this experience would not only be a celebration of victory but also a profound journey that touched the depths of my emotions and brought unexpected solace to my mental health.
The anticipation leading up to the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea was palpable. Wembley Stadium, a colossal fortress of football history, loomed large in front of me as I took my seat in the Liverpool section among the sea of red jerseys. The energy in the air was electric, and the roars of the 88,000 crowd were deafening. This was more than a game; it was a momentous occasion that had the power to unite thousands of fans with a shared passion for the beautiful game.
As the match unfolded, the tension in the stadium reached a fever pitch. Liverpool and Chelsea battled fiercely, each vying for the coveted Carabao Cup. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, with nail-biting moments and disallowed goals and heart-stopping near misses. The game kept us on the edge of our seats, but it was Liverpool who emerged victorious after an extra-time goal by captain Virgil van Dijk. The eruption of joy and relief from the Liverpool faithful was overwhelming, our team had triumphed, and Wembley Stadium echoed with the triumphant cheers of the fans.
Amidst the jubilation, one particular moment stood out as an emotional crescendo. The familiar chords of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone,’ the anthem that encapsulates the spirit of Liverpool FC, reverberated through the stadium. As the collective voices of forty thousand fans joined in unison, the atmosphere became charged with emotion. Singing the anthem was not just a celebration of the team’s triumph; it was a poignant reminder of the unbreakable bond between the club and its supporters.
For me, however, the emotions ran even deeper. Losing my mother nearly 19 years ago had left a void that time can not entirely heal. She was not just my mother but also a devoted Liverpool FC fan. ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ was a song we shared, a melody that connected us through our love for the club. As the anthem echoed around Wembley, memories of watching games with her came flooding back, and I couldn’t help but feel a bittersweet mixture of joy and sorrow.
So as the founder of the ‘For Men To Talk’ men’s peer support group, what impact did this Liverpool FC win at Wembley Stadium have on my mental health?
Emotional Boost: The excitement and joy of seeing Liverpool FC succeed lead to an immediate emotional boost. The release of my positive emotions, happiness and pride, contributed to a sense of well-being.
Sense of Belonging: Especially during singing ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, it creates a sense of belonging and camaraderie with fellow fans. Even more so, sharing the joy of victory with my elder brother and nephews.
Reduced Stress: Watching this thrilling football match, helped me reduce my stress levels. The distraction from daily worries was a welcome mental break.
Sense of Achievement: Myself and Liverpool FC fans felt a sense of achievement when they won the Carabao Cup. This is manager Jurgen Klopp’s last season at the club, and this is the first trophy out of a possible four that they could win. While it’s not a personal accomplishment, the emotional investment and connection to our club created a feeling of shared success.
Physical Response: The ‘thankful’ positive emotions certainly released endorphins, often referred to as “feel-good” hormones, which provided positive effects on my mood.
In the end, the Carabao Cup victory was not just about the glory on the football pitch; it was about the emotional journey and improved mental health that unfolded within the hallowed walls of Wembley.