MENTAL health problems are a curse for so many men — and often they are hidden from the outside world.

Indeed one of the problems with male members of the population suffering in this way is that they are reluctant to admit there is a problem in the first place and then find it very hard to do something about it.

That is why the Goal Difference programme which is being run via Burnley FC is so important.

By combining the terminology of football with a non clinical scheme offering practical coping solutions, assistance is now more accessible for those who need it.

As Steve Dickinson, who has just completed one of the courses, told the Lancashire Telegraph: “I can honestly say the course saved my life.”

No further recommendation is really necessary after that.

The important thing now is for the Goal Difference programme to be properly publicised and for anyone who believes it may help them to take that first step and see what it is all about.

Football often gets a bad press but when it is used as a force for good, it can have a major impact. So every credit to those who came up with the Goal Difference campaign - to use a football cliche, you done good!