Norwich City midfielder Emi Marcondes took a significant step in promoting mental health awareness and suicide prevention by participating in the Baton of Hope relay at Carrow Road on Wednesday. This event, part of a nationwide tour supported by Norwich Samaritans, spanned 20 locations across the UK, fostering vital conversations about mental health and encouraging individuals to seek support. Read more about Webber Targets New Challenge as Omiya Appoint Former Norwich Chief.
The relay began at the Norfolk Showground, making stops at various city landmarks before culminating in a lap around the iconic Norwich City pitch. This symbolic gesture highlighted the club’s commitment to addressing mental health issues. Marcondes expressed his appreciation for the opportunity, stating, “To be able to put some attention on this is something that’s really great for us as footballers – and for me personally. Like many of you that are here today, it is something in my family, around my friends.” Read more about Sargent Shines as Manning's Support Fuels Norwich Success.
The Danish midfielder underscored the importance of breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health. “I think because there’s a stigma around this topic, to be able to be a part of this event really means a lot to me and to the whole football club, so a proud moment,” he remarked, illustrating the personal significance of the cause. Read more about Sutton Part Ways with Morison After Tough Spell.
Since joining Norwich City, Marcondes has openly shared his experiences with grief and mental health following the death of his father. In a previous discussion on the BBC podcast *The Scrimmage*, he reflected, “It didn’t really affect my game because I didn’t play, and I took time to reflect on my life and also my dad’s life and what I have been through.”
Marcondes spoke about his growth in managing grief, contrasting it with his response to his mother’s passing at the age of 17. “At the time I was quiet... and it became a negative thing further down the line with my performances and I became a bit more introverted,” he disclosed. He credited therapy and mental coaching for helping him process his emotions, stating, “Through talking about it and some therapy and mental coaches, I learned to digest it and talk about it and use it as motivation.”
During the Baton of Hope event, Marcondes highlighted the importance of gratitude in his life. He noted, “The most simple thing and basic thing is trying to be grateful for what I have and what I have come from and what I’ve achieved,” adding that recognising simple comforts helps him remain grounded. “Having food on the table, a roof over my head, a bed to sleep in, simple stuff keeps my feet on the ground and keeps me focused that it’s going to be alright.”
Marcondes also acknowledged a shifting culture within football that encourages players to share their experiences. “There is a bit more of an open room, or speaking a bit more about these things and being just a bit more mindful about other things in players’ lives,” he remarked, noting that this openness often correlates with players' age and experience.
Norwich City’s proactive approach to mental health awareness, exemplified by Marcondes’ involvement in the Baton of Hope relay, reflects both his personal journey and the broader responsibility of athletes to engage in open dialogue about these critical issues.