Chris Mitchell was a professional footballer who had a successful career spanning 10 years, playing across all Scottish divisions and representing his country at all underage groups, including seven appearances at Scotland Under-21 level. Mid-season 2015/16 Chris reluctantly made the decision to retire from professional football to seek an alternative career path. Even though Chris had had a great career in professional football, the change in his circumstances from playing full-time football at the highest level and having to embark on a new career, led Chris to develop mental health issues, particularly depression and anxiety. Sadly, all the support from his family, friends and medical professionals could not deter him from ending his own life on the 7th May 2016, he was only 27. In his honour, the Chris Mitchell Foundation has been established to raise awareness around mental health and wellbeing in professional football. The services and support of the foundation will be available to players, ex-players and staff connected to professional Scottish football clubs; including those clubs within the Scottish Professional Football League, the Scottish Highland League, the Scottish Lowland League, the Scottish Women’s Premier League and associated youth academies.
