At Exeter Royals FC, they are more than just a football club. they are a family, a community, and a brotherhood. But over the last few years, the family has been devastated by unimaginable tragedy, losing two of there young players to suicide.

Now, they are turning their grief into a lifeline for others.

Two Legends Taken Too Soon

In December 2021, they lost Harvey McWilliams. He was just 18 years old. Harvey was an exceptional player who previously trained with Darlington FC’s Academy before joining the royals while studying at the University of Exeter. When Harvey passed, the team changed their club colours to match his beloved Sunderland AFC. They added the number 18 to our club badge, and they promised to never let his memory fade.

Then, in October 2025, tragedy struck their club a second time. They lost their goalkeeper, Dan “Quinny” Quinn, at just 22 years of age. Dan was a head chef, a massive Exeter City and Liverpool fan, and a true club legend. He was the life and soul of every room he walked into, lighting up the world with his smile and humour.

The loss of these two incredible young men broke their hearts, but it also ignited a fierce determination within the club. They refuse to let another brother fight in silence.

Turning Pain into Purpose: The Exeter Royals App

In the wake of losing Dan, thety knew they had to do more than just mourn. they needed to act.

They developed a unique, first-of-its-kind mobile app for grassroots football. This app is designed to provide immediate, confidential, and long-term mental health support to players who are struggling. It ensures that no one in our squad—or the wider football community—ever feels completely alone. Their efforts and passion have already been recognized nationally, featuring in an England Football video.

Thanks to the incredible compassion of football clubs, rugby clubs, and kind-hearted people across the UK who donated merchandise, they have already raised vital funds to help players in immediate need. But to launch this app on a wider scale and reach players far and wide, they need your help.

Please help if you can on the GoFundMe page

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-to-reduce-male-suicide

How You Can Help Save Lives

Building, maintaining, and expanding an app that provides professional mental health support costs money. This is where they need our global football family.

Every single penny raised through this campaign goes directly toward funding this app and breaking the stigma around men’s mental health. By donating, you are helping them build a safety net for young men when they are at their lowest points.

Whether you can give a little or a lot, your generosity will save lives.

For Harvey. For Quinny. For every player fighting a hidden battle.

Thank you for your love, your compassion, and your support.

Exeter Royals FC

🎗️ Need Support Right Now?

If you or someone you know is going through a difficult time, please know that support is available. You do not have to carry the weight alone.

Samaritans: Call 116 123 (UK) for free, 24/7 confidential support.
SHOUT: Text SHOUT to 85258 for a free, anonymous 24/7 text support service.
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): Call 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight daily) or use their webchat.