Why is every FA Cup match is scheduled one minute late? Reason explained behind the purpose of pushing kick-off at the odd minute.
One would wonder why the FA Cup matches are given timings in such unusual fashion. All the kick-off timings have been pushed one minute late when one checks the timings of FA Cup’s 3rd round matches.
It has been revealed by the English Football Association that the kick-off will be one minute late as a part of the ‘Take A Minute’ campaign, encouraging fans to look after their mental health.
The move will see all 32 ties, excluding replays, kick-off one minute later than their traditionally scheduled broadcast and non-broadcast timeslots, for example, 3.01 pm, 12.16 pm and 7.46 pm, according to the GMT.
It’s hoped that the initiative will raise awareness of the importance of looking after our mental health, with 60 seconds representing just the first step in the journey to improved wellbeing.
During the minute delay, fans will be encouraged to consider the positive impact 60 seconds can have on their own wellbeing or in supporting a friend or family member.
It has been further revealed by the FA that Heads Up (launched up by FA and Heads Together) has partnered with Public Health England’s ‘Every Mind Matters’ across the Emirates FA Cup third round to draw attention to the simple steps we can all take to look after our mental health and wellbeing.
The partnership will signpost to the free, online ‘Every Mind Matters’ resources and ‘Your Mind Plan’ tool, which fans can use to create a personal mental health action plan, providing them with a tailored set of simple self-care actions.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: “While delaying kick-off times by 60 seconds is a simple idea, it provides a powerful platform for us and our Heads Up charity partners to deliver a really important message on mental health.
“We know that men, in particular, can be reluctant to talk about the subject, so it is important that we use football as a vehicle to stress the importance of mental fitness.”
The Duke of Cambridge is spearheading the campaign and aims to use the influence and popularity of football to encourage more people – particularly men – to feel comfortable talking about their mental health.
