A LIFESAVING Inverclyde charity has teamed up with a local football club to support players with their mental health in honour of a much-missed former star. 

Man On Inverclyde and Greenock Juniors are now officially partners, meaning that players of all ages, plus coaches and committee members, can now tap into the support provided by the team from the suicide prevention charity. 

Man On has been connected with the Ravenscraig club ever since the tragic loss of one of their best ever players four years ago.

Popular Greenock dad Ryan Macdonald passed away in 2020 at the age of just 41, leaving his friends and family devastated.

The hugely talented footballer was well-known across Inverclyde both as a player and as a youth team coach.

Greenock Telegraph:

Man On chief executive officer and founder Chris Paul told how Ryan's family are very supportive of the newly-launched partnership between his organisation and the football team. 

Chris said: "Ryan's family know that his passing has played a part in us driving this partnership forward. 

"If we can support one person connected with Greenock Juniors, we will be content that our partnership is working.

"Although the pain of losing Ryan will never go, we hope this project can help others in his honour."

Greenock Juniors first team coach Gary Fleming says the expert support the club will have from Man On will provide his players with a 'safety net'. 

He added: "It's great to be joining together with Man On formally. 

"Being able to tap into this support is a fantastic step for us, and we're looking forward to building the relationship and seeing how it evolves."

Chris says the Man On team will provide everyone associated with the club with help and support whenever they need it. 

They will also provide training to help coaches support players who may be experiencing mental health difficulties. 

Man On will also be linking up with Greenock footballer Nicky Low, formerly of Aberdeen and Dundee, in supporting the club's pathway teams. 

Alongside Man On's Brian Robertson, Nicky will work with young players, supporting their wellbeing and discussing future opportunities in the game and outside it.

Greenock Juniors currently has four pathway youth teams and hopes to launch another in the summer. 

Chris said: "Nicky has lived the professional footballer's dream, which is one that many young people have, so we're thrilled to be working with him. 

"We've found that football therapy can really help get young people engaged in conversations, and act as a hook to get them interested in other subjects and develop their skills. 

"The partnership will help us to do even more on that and focus on employability and skills gaps.

"This is a great connection between two really good community organisations and one we are looking forward to driving ahead."