Meet Me on the Pitch for Youth Mental Health
(MMotP Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to explore a new approach called Meet Me on the Pitch (MMotP) to improve the mental health, well-being, and school performance of young people. It combines sports, school, and mental health support, using soccer to aid emotional and social growth. The study compares this program with regular soccer activities to determine which is more beneficial. It suits youth aged 14-21 who regularly attend Soccer Without Borders practices and can speak English or Spanish. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance youth development programs.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to check with the trial organizers for more details.
What prior data suggests that the Meet Me on the Pitch intervention is safe for youth?
Research has shown that the Meet Me on the Pitch (MMotP) program aims to improve youth mental health by integrating sports, schools, and behavioral health. While specific data from past studies on MMotP's safety is unavailable, the program relies on proven methods, suggesting it is likely safe. These methods have been researched and shown to be both effective and safe.
This trial does not test a new drug or medical procedure. Instead, it evaluates whether participants can successfully use and accept the program, which typically indicates low risk. Additionally, trained coaches lead the sessions, ensuring extra oversight and safety.
Overall, MMotP appears to be a promising approach, emphasizing safety and effectiveness, similar to other programs that use sports and activities to support mental health.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Meet Me on the Pitch (MMotP) is unique because it combines soccer with a behavioral health intervention to support youth mental health. Unlike standard options that might rely solely on therapy or medication, MMotP integrates mental health sessions directly into a popular extracurricular activity, making it more engaging for young participants. Researchers are excited about this approach as it leverages the positive social environment of team sports to deliver mental health support, potentially increasing accessibility and effectiveness for young people who might otherwise avoid traditional treatment settings.
What evidence suggests that Meet Me on the Pitch is effective for youth mental health?
Research shows that playing sports can effectively improve mental health and well-being. This trial tests the Meet Me on the Pitch (MMotP) program as an intervention that combines sports with mental health support. Participants in the intervention group will receive MMotP, a six-session behavioral health intervention, alongside standard Soccer Without Borders programming. Early results suggest that integrating sports with mental health support helps young people develop better social and emotional skills. This method aims to facilitate their access to health and social services. Although specific data on MMotP's effectiveness is still being collected, the approach is based on proven methods successful in similar contexts.14678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Mara Decker, DrPH
Principal Investigator
University of California, San Francisco
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for young people aged 14-21 who are part of Soccer Without Borders, attend soccer practice regularly, and speak English or Spanish. It's not open to those who don't participate in these activities, don't attend practices consistently, can't communicate in the required languages, or have already done MMotP.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
Participants receive the MMotP intervention, a six-session behavioral health program delivered weekly by trained coaches
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in mental health, academic support-seeking behaviors, and social connection
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Meet Me on the Pitch (MMotP)
Trial Overview
The study tests 'Meet Me on the Pitch' (MMotP), a community program combining sports with behavioral health strategies aimed at improving mental well-being and academic success among youth. Participants will be randomly assigned to either MMotP or standard sports programs to compare outcomes.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
In addition to standard Soccer Without Borders programming, participants will receive MMotP, a six-session behavioral health intervention. MMotP sessions will be delivered weekly by their trained coach outside of soccer practices.
Participants will continue regular Soccer Without Borders programming, including soccer practices and team-building activities with their coach.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of California, San Francisco
Lead Sponsor
National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR)
Collaborator
Soccer Without Borders
Collaborator
Citations
UCSF Mental Health Trial → Meet Me on the Pitch
The study assesses feasibility, acceptability, and short-term outcomes through a randomized controlled trial comparing MMotP to standard sports ...
Project Details
The proposed project, “Meet Me on the Pitch (MMotP): Developing and testing a community-based sports and behavioral health intervention for newcomer youth ...
Meet Me on the Pitch for Youth Mental Health (MMotP Trial)
The study assesses feasibility, acceptability, and short-term outcomes through a randomized controlled trial comparing MMotP to standard sports programming.
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156 Mental Health Trials Near You
This study evaluates Meet Me on the Pitch (MMotP), a community-based intervention that integrates sports, schools, and behavioral health with the goal of ...
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mentalhealthfirstaid.org
mentalhealthfirstaid.org/app/uploads/2025/11/tMHFA-Marketing-Package_5.9.25.pdf?ref=sebsjourney.comBRINGING teen MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID
This ensures that adults are available and prepared to help young people facing a crisis or challenge. Sites are encouraged to offer Youth Mental Health First.
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