TESTIMONIALS
"My first session was pre-lockdown and I was a little anxious beforehand. I wanted to meet new people as I am relatively new to the local area. What I enjoy now is that it is a consistent social activity and all the guys who turn up are spot on. It's also a good opportunity to talk about mental health if I ever needed to speak out." - Oliver Ryan
"My first session was back in March time just before the lockdown period. I had seen a post advertising Kick Start FC on Facebook and thought I would give it a try. I have always enjoyed playing football and the guys who turn up are a good laugh I have enjoyed coming to the sessions. It’s also a great way to speak out if you have anything on your mind. I would totally recommend it." - Rob Yates
TESTIMONIALS
"My first session was pre-lockdown and I was a little anxious beforehand. I wanted to meet new people as I am relatively new to the local area. What I enjoy now is that it is a consistent social activity and all the guys who turn up are spot on. It's also a good opportunity to talk about mental health if I ever needed to speak out." - Oliver Ryan
"My first session was back in March time just before the lockdown period. I had seen a post advertising Kick Start FC on Facebook and thought I would give it a try. I have always enjoyed playing football and the guys who turn up are a good laugh I have enjoyed coming to the sessions. It’s also a great way to speak out if you have anything on your mind. I would totally recommend it." - Rob Yates
How do I talk about my mental health?
Putting your feelings into words is sometimes difficult. It’s perfectly normal to be worried that you might say the wrong thing or explain it badly. It’s also natural to feel anxious that your loved one or friend might think your mental health is worse than you might feel it is.
Try not to worry – talking about your mental health is incredibly important when it comes to getting the right support for you and with the right preparation the conversation can be easier than you think it might be. Here are a few tips on how to talk about your mental health.
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HOME TACKLING THE MIND



ABOUT KICK START FC
In February 2020, we launched our Football Therapy sessions with the purpose of providing peer support to men and women who suffer with poor mental health or mental ill health. By using football and the ethos of 'tackling the mind', we are providing participants the fundamentals to break down barriers and begin their journey to understanding mental health. This includes getting active, improving knowledge of mental health, and offering a support network in times of crisis. Playing football can help improve symptoms of mental health issues such as depression and stress, offer an increase in self-esteem levels, and can also help to reduce anxiety. For some people, physical activity such as playing football can be just as powerful as medicine or therapy. Exercise releases natural chemicals like dopamine, serotonin and endorphins that help you feel good.
Our football therapy sessions are open to anyone aged 16 and over, and we welcome all footballing abilities and fitness levels; even if you have never played football before. Each session is run by a group of volunteers who are trained in First Aid for Mental Health or hold a minimum of FA Level One Coaching Badge. The volunteer's role is to ensure that the football pitch remains a 'safe space' for everyone in attendance and that everyone leaves the session in a better mindset than when they arrived.


MEN'S FOOTBALL THERAPY
Thursdays
Tidworth Astroturf, SP9 7BN
1900-2000
FREE
Open to aged 16 and over

WOMEN'S FOOTBALL THERAPY
Thursdays
Tidworth Astroturf, SP9 7BN
2000-2100
FREE
Open to aged 16 and over

WALKING FOOTBALL THERAPY
Wednesday
Tidworth Astroturf, SP9 7BN
1845-1945
FREE
Open to aged 16 and over

MEET THE TEAM
Each session is run by a group of volunteers who are trained in First Aid for Mental Health or hold a minimum of FA Level One Coaching Badge. The volunteer's role is to ensure that the football pitch remains a 'safe space' for everyone in attendance and that everyone leaves the session in a better mindset than when they arrived.






Kick Start FC Founder
Michael Cunningham
Kick Start FC Coach
Martin 'Chopper' Higgins
Kick Start FC Coach
Shaun Spanswick
Kick Start FC Coach
Jordan McGuire
Kick Start FC Events
Adonis Tingzon
Kick Start FC Coach
Vince Green
We are always on the look out for more volunteers to help us with the operations of Kick Start FC. If you would like to get involved and join our team of volunteers then please email us by clicking here