On Friday, May 22nd, 2,790 Bristol City and Bristol Rovers supporters came together at Ashton Gate for the Talk Club Cup 2026.
Celebrating the incredible Mental Health provision delivered by Bristol City Robins Foundation, Bristol Rovers Community Trust, and Talk Club, the event saw City and Rovers legends and local celebs face each other on the pitch. In Bristol alone, an average of 25 men take their own lives every year, the same number as two 11-aside teams and the officials.
Before kick-off, supporters enjoyed pre-match entertainment including a live DJ, football activities, face painting, and stalls where they could chat to Talk Club and Bristol City Robins Foundation about the support they offer.
The Foundation’s Health and Wellbeing Lead, Lee Gillett, shared how valuable face-to-face conversations are:
“Chatting to fans over a game of table tennis was more than about promoting our Mental Health sessions, Robins Talk and Robins Active Minds, it was about connecting with fans and providing a platform for discussion.
“Our goal is of course to reach people who are in crisis and aid them where possible, however it is also to prevent crisis from happening in the first place. Through regular movement and providing people with a safe space to talk, we are creating a supportive community and preventing isolation within our local community.”
On the pitch, the action delivered plenty of entertainment, with both teams playing their part in an exciting occasion at Ashton Gate. City eventually ran out worthy winners with a comfortable 4-0 victory on the night. The evening also featured half-time entertainment, with participants from the Foundation’s mental health programme, Robins Talk, taking to the pitch to show off their skills.
Supporters were invited to bid in a silent auction to become the manager for the day. Winning managers, Jacob Dyer and Simon Bracey, coached their teams from the dug out and basked in the atmosphere that Ashton Gate has to offer.
Winning City manager Jacob Dyer said:
“It genuinely meant so much to be involved. The whole evening was brilliantly organised, and you could really feel the positivity around the stadium. Knowing the event was raising money and awareness for such an important cause made it even more special.”
Special thanks go out to everyone from the Robins Foundation, Bristol City, Bristol Rovers Community Trust, Talk Club, Ashton Gate, and supporting businesses for making the event possible.
