Rangers FC showcases TeamTalk support initiative, funded by FDJ United

Rangers Football Club showcased its TeamTalk initiative ahead of the crucial Europa League quarter-final clash against Athletic Club in Bilbao, Spain.

The mental health programme is funded by Rangers’ primary sponsor to bring fans together to promote discussion and physical activity. In particular, TeamTalk aims to break the stigma that prevents men from opening up and sharing problems.

Rangers FC, the 55-time Scottish soccer champions, have had a long-running partnership with the Kindred Group since 2014, but the Swedish-formed betting brand has recently been acquired by France’s FDJ United.

FDJ brands Unibet and 32Red usually adorn the front of Rangers players’ kits, but in European countries where gambling advertising is banned, the betting logos are replaced with TeamTalk branding.

That was the case on Thursday evening in the Basque region of northern Spain as Rangers were defeated 2-0 by Athletic Club, who will now play Manchester United in the semi-final, with the Europa League final to be played at Athletic’s San Mames home stadium.

John Joyce, Rangers Charity Foundation Coach, said, “I would say to any man who is feeling as if they’re on their own: get yourself involved with TeamTalk programme.”

“There is still a stigma attached to men talking about what problems they may have, but we see that lifting when they become involved with the project.”

“It’s a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space for men. All while using football and Rangers as a familiar hook.”