Seton Hall University’s Counseling and Psychological Services, known as CAPS, has teamed up with several campus partners to launch a novel program called the Anchored Together Fantasy Football League, or ATFFL. The semester‑long initiative aims to foster community, support mental wellness, and encourage personal growth among students.
Running from September 1 through January 10, the league meets each week under the guidance of Brendan Sullivan, Psy.D., a staff psychologist at CAPS. Sullivan will facilitate the sessions, blending the excitement of fantasy football with structured conversations about stress management, emotional regulation and digital wellness.
Community, Competition, and Counseling
Participants draft their own teams, manage rosters and compete for weekly bragging rights, while also earning points that influence waiver‑wire priority. At the end of the season, top performers receive giveaways, an end‑of‑season prize package and a communal trophy that symbolizes the collective effort of the league.
The ATFFL is more than a game; it is a platform for discussing topics such as emotional regulation, stress management and digital wellness. These discussions are designed to translate the competitive spirit of fantasy sports into practical coping strategies that students can apply in their daily lives.
Research cited by the league’s organizers notes that participation in fantasy sports can reduce feelings of loneliness and strengthen social connections. By embedding these activities within a mental‑health framework, the program seeks to harness that benefit for the broader campus community.
Sign‑up is open to all students, whether they are seasoned fantasy enthusiasts or have never played before. Individuals may register on their own or join forces with friends, and no prior experience is required. In addition to the league, CAPS offers a suite of workshops — including Stress and Anxiety Management and ADHD Skills Workshops — to further support student well‑being throughout the semester.