top of page
289367620_374534904665748_5973186526996036747_n_edited.jpg

ABOUT US

We are Kick Start FC, a mental health charity based in Wiltshire that provides peer support in the form of football therapy. Using the power of football and an ethos of 'tackling the mind', we offer a safe and non-judgemental space that allows people to build the tools towards mental resilience. Our aim is to help ease the burden of those who are struggling with poor mental health, social isolation and loneliness. 

Here in the UK, 1 in 4 adults and 1 in 6 children will experience a mental health problem. However, due to the stigma that surrounds itself to mental health, many of us don't get the help we need.  By using football as a tool, we are challenging these barriers and encouraging people to 'tackle the mind'. 

More and more people are beginning to appreciate the positive impact that playing sport or joining a community group can have on their mental wellbeing. Participating in sporting activities such as football have been proven to help ease symptoms of mental health problems such as depression and stress, offer an increase in self-esteem, and can also help reduce levels of anxiety. For some people, physical activity such as playing football can be just as powerful as medicine or therapy. 

Our football therapy sessions are specifically designed to help participants manage symptoms of poor mental wellbeing, and encourage social inclusion. 

Mental Benefits Of Football Therapy

. Access your positive brain chemicals such as endorphins and serotonin

. Increase both your mental and physical wellbeing

. Work on improving your self-esteem and increasing your confidence levels

. Focus on achieving goals and gain a sense of achievement

. Start to develop a positive mindset

 

Social Benefits Of Football Therapy

. Develop relationships and build a support network for your mental health

. Improve your communication skills 

. Gain a sense of belonging and be part of a team

. Be provided opportunities to learn and talk about mental health

. Reduce stigma 

Pic5_edited_edited.jpg
1000006558.jpg

Volunteer with us

Join us and help provide peer support to people in our local community who are struggling with their mental health, or mental ill health. Click here to contact us.

Shaun2.jpg

Donate

Make the decision today to donate to Kick Start FC and provide peer support for someone who is struggling with their mental health.

174121449_120020520117189_3483691410306295054_n_edited_edited.jpg
1648550258904.png

MEN'S FOOTBALL THERAPY

Thursdays

Tidworth Astroturf, SP9 7BN

1900-2000

FREE

Open to aged 16 and over

Click here to enquire

1648545843391_edited.png

WOMEN'S FOOTBALL THERAPY

Thursdays

Tidworth Astroturf, SP9 7BN

2000-2100

FREE

Open to aged 16 and over

Click here to enquire

1648550258904.png
1648545843391_edited.png

WALKING FOOTBALL THERAPY

Wednesday

Tidworth Astroturf, SP9 7BN

1845-1945

FREE

Open to aged 16 and over

Click here to enquire

1648550258904.png

YOUTH FOOTBALL THERAPY

Tuesday

Wellington Academy, SP11 9RR

1915-2030

FREE

Open to aged 11 - 16 

Click here to enquire

1648545843391_edited.png
289367620_374534904665748_5973186526996036747_n_edited.jpg

OUR MISSION

To encourage those who are struggling to manage symptoms of poor mental health or mental ill health to "kick start" their journey to recovery. Our mission is to provide an early intervention and help people develop tools to ease the burden through football therapy.

OUR VALUES

To ensure that the football pitch remains a safe space for all participants, and to create an environment where everyone can enjoy playing football without feeling judged. Our primary focus is promoting positive mental health and social inclusion. 

OUR VISION

That conversations surrounding mental health are just as easy to have as they are about football. We want to use football to break down barriers to reduce the stigma that surrounds itself around mental health, and use it to provide support for those struggling.

bottom of page