There are moments in football where what happens off the pitch matters far more than the result on it. For Hoddesdon Town FC player Harrison Cage, Saturday 11th July will be one of those moments.

The popular Lilywhite player is stepping into the ring at the Ultra White Collar Boxing event in Watford to raise money for Mind, while also helping raise awareness around mental health struggles that continue to affect millions of people across the UK every single day.

Cagey, known around Lowfield for his commitment, passion and wholehearted approach in a Hoddesdon shirt, will swap football boots for boxing gloves as he prepares for what promises to be an emotional and physically demanding evening. But this challenge is about far more than punches thrown or rounds won. For Harrison, the fight is deeply personal.

On his GoFundMe page, the Town man spoke openly and honestly about his own experiences with anxiety, explaining how mental health struggles can affect every aspect of daily life, often in ways invisible to those around us.

“Times right now in the UK are tough, stressful and uncertain,” Harrison wrote.

“You hear more and more stories around the country of suicide, mental struggles, anxiety, depression. It’s important to know that mental health illness is a disability that you can’t see on surface level.”

In an incredibly brave and heartfelt message, Harrison revealed how anxiety had at times left him feeling “burnt out, unstable and second guessing” his every action.

“It can affect your everyday living, and have a domino effect seeming like there is no way of getting out of your own head,” he added.

By speaking publicly about his own experiences, Harrison hopes to encourage others to open up, seek support and understand that they are never alone in their struggles. The fundraiser also carries a poignant dedication to Ian Gale, a close friend of Harrison’s who sadly passed away recently.

“I want to dedicate this fight to Ian Gale, a good friend who lost his life very recently and gone way too soon,” Harrison said.

“You’ll be missed greatly mate.”

At Hoddesdon Town FC, everyone connected with the club is immensely proud of Harrison for taking on the challenge and for using his platform to help shine a light on such an important issue. Mental health remains something that still carries stigma in many walks of life, particularly in sport where people are often expected to simply “get on with it” or hide how they are really feeling.

Harrison’s willingness to speak honestly and publicly about anxiety, self-doubt and mental struggles takes real courage. Just as importantly, it sends a message to others who may be suffering in silence that it is okay to talk, okay to seek help and okay not to feel okay.

The Ultra White Collar Boxing event itself will take place on Saturday 11th July at The Woodside Stadium, Horseshoe Lane in Watford, with Harrison currently deep into training preparations ahead of fight night. While the physical challenge will undoubtedly test him, Harrison is embracing the discipline, focus and commitment that comes with preparing for the bout.

“This is something I have wanted to do for a while,” he explained.

“I’m looking forward to bringing discipline to my life, training hard and preparing myself for what will be a brilliant night.”

The entire Hoddesdon Town FC family will be behind him every step of the way.

Players, supporters, committee members and friends of the club are all encouraged to get behind Harrison’s fundraising effort, whether through donations, sharing the fundraiser online or simply helping spread awareness around mental health and the work carried out by Mind.

Mind continues to provide vital support, advice and services for people experiencing mental health difficulties across the country. The charity works tirelessly to ensure anyone facing mental health challenges has somewhere to turn for help, guidance and understanding. Harrison’s fundraiser will help support that work while also hopefully encouraging more conversations around mental health within football and beyond.

As Harrison himself put it perfectly:

“It’s healthy to talk about your problems, it’s okay not to be okay but it’s important we fight against the mental struggles.”

Everyone at Hoddesdon Town FC would like to wish Harrison the very best of luck as he prepares for fight night. He already has the full backing of the Lowfield faithful — and no matter what happens when the bell rings in Watford, he has already done something incredibly important by helping raise awareness for a cause that matters to so many people.

Supporters wishing to donate to Harrison’s fundraiser are encouraged to visit his GoFundMe page and contribute whatever they can to support both Harrison and Mind in their efforts to make a difference.

You can donate by clicking HERE or scanning the QR code on the graphic above.

Go well Cagey. We are all behind you.