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
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FOOTBALL THERAPY
More and more people are beginning to appreciate the positive impact that playing a 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.
Improving Mental Health
Participating in physical activity, such as football, has proven to have a positive impact on a person's mental health. Engaging in regular exercise can reduce stress, anxiety and depression, and boost mood and self-esteem. Being part of a charity where individuals can socialize and develop relationships with others who may have similar experiences can also improve their mental wellbeing.
Improving Social Wellbeing
Being part of a team can provide service users with a sense of belonging and reduce isolation. Football Therapy can be a place to make new friends, develop relationships and create a support network. This can be especially important for individuals who may feel isolated or disconnected from others.
Improving Self-esteem
Working with our volunteers can provide service users with opportunities for personal growth and development. Football Therapy may help service users develop new skills, such as communication, leadership, decision-making, team-work, all of which can be transferable away from football and into other areas of their life.
Improving Awareness
As a charity we can help to promote awareness and understanding of mental health issues. We can also demonstrate that individuals with mental health challenges can recover, are still capable of achieving their goals, and be active and valued members of their community.
Reducing Stigma
Bringing service users from all walks of life together to engage in Football Therapy reduces the stigma that associates itself with mental health. It shows that no one needs to feel that they are alone and that many people are experiencing similar issues.
MEET OUR VOLUNTEERS
Our football therapy sessions are conducted by a group of volunteers that boast a passion of supporting service users with their mental wellbeing and show great commitment to helping Kick Start FC achieve our charitable aims. All of our volunteers are trained in mental health awareness, first aid for mental health, and hold a minimum of FA Introduction to Coaching qualification.
The role of our volunteers is to guide our service users through each football therapy session whilst providing guidance and support to those wishing to access professional support. The aim of our service is to provide people a brief intervention and peer support for those waiting to access professional support, not to provide medical advice or psychological treatment.
Football Therapy Session Lead
Martin Higgins
We are grateful for the support we have received from our volunteers, trustees, service users, and friends of Kick Start FC. As part of our mission we are always exploring ways to expand our services. If you are interested in volunteering for Kick Start FC, please email us by clicking here.
Football Therapy Session Lead
Vince Green
Football Therapy Session Lead
Shaun Spanswick
Football Therapy Session Lead
Jordan McGuire
Football Therapy Session Lead
Ben Hammett-Brady
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
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is football therapy?
Football therapy is a term we use to describe our method of support for those experiencing poor mental health, mental ill health, or social isolation. Our football therapy sessions are specifically designed to promote inclusion, encourage physical activity, and help service users learn transferable skills. Our aim is to work with service users, in both 1:1 and group settings, and leave them in a better mindset than when they arrived.
What is the format of a football therapy session?
Each football therapy session incorporates games and activities that encourage exercise, communication, team work and being able to have fun. The session begins with a group conversation, often to check in on service users, to discuss topics relating to mental health, and to promote positivity. This conversation is often followed by a warm-up activity to start working the mind and to prevent any injuries. Service users are then split into two groups and encouraged to engage in a couple of team activities. This may include a fun games or football-based drills. Each session concludes with a light-hearted game of football which often begins with limited touches to promote inclusion for all involved.
Where are the football therapy sessions held?
Our Men's, Women's and Walking football therapy sessions are currently held at the Aspire Astroturf, Tidworth, Wiltshire, SP9 7BN.
How long are the football therapy sessions?
Our football therapy sessions last for approximately 60minutes and are held on a weekly basis. Please note that in the winter months the facilities we use are shared with local football teams. If there is a delay in pitch handover our session will begin a bit later, but we always ensure lasts for 60 minutes.
How much does it cost to attend a football therapy session?
Our football therapy sessions are FREE to attend. It is important to us that those who need an intervention for their mental health are able to access our services without the worry of additional expenditure during the cost of living crisis.
How are you able to provide your football therapy sessions at no cost to service users?
We conduct our own fundraising throughout the year, as well as apply for community grants to help cover the cost of operating our football therapy sessions. This includes pitch hire, insurance fees, and maintaining equipment. Our service users can also donate as a way of giving back to our service should they wish to do so. Please visit our social media pages to learn more about upcoming fundraising events.
Can I join even if I am no good at playing football?
Absolutely, whilst we use football as tool, mental health is at the forefront of everything we do at this charity. We welcome all football abilities and fitness levels to our football therapy sessions; even if you have never kicked a football before! It's not about being the best football player, it's about doing something positive for your mental wellbeing.
Do I need to fill in a form to attend the football therapy sessions?
We require anyone who would like to get involved with Kick Start FC to fill in an enquiry form. This form allows us to create an understanding on why you would like to access our services, and helps us to manage the expectations of those might be seeking professional support . Any forms we receive remain confidential and apply to GDPR regulations.
Can I join even if I don't fall into the criteria of struggling with mental health, mental ill health, or social isolation?
Our charity is for the benefit of those who need support or an intervention for symptoms of poor mental health, mental ill health and social isolation only. Please do not fill in a form if you do not need support.
What happens once I have completed a form?
Once you have completed a form we will assess your need for support in order to manage the expectations of our service. Once your form has been assessed you will receive an email informing you of the next steps. Please do not attend a session until you have received a confirmation email.
Will I be expected to attend every week?
Not at all, we don't expect anyone to attend every session. We understand the personal challenges that come with symptoms of mental health. However, in order to feel the maximum benefit of our services we do encourage all service users to attend our football therapy sessions as regularly as possible.
Is there parking near the facilities?
Yes, there is a car park which can be accessed by anyone using the Aspire Defence facilities. The car park is located over the road from where the two football pitches are located.
Is there public transport?
The Activ8 bus service between Andover and Salisbury stops at the two bus stops located by the 3G football pitch. The last bus towards Andover runs at 22:28 and the last bus towards Salisbury runs at 22:41. Bus fares currently £2 per single fare.
If I enjoy the sessions am I able to invite a friend?
Whilst we rely on our service users to raise awareness of our football therapy sessions, anyone who wishes to access our service will be required to follow the same process as all the other service users. Please do not bring anybody along to our sessions unless we have accepted their enquiry form.
Are you a registered football team?
Whilst we are registered with the Wiltshire Football Association, we are not a football team. Our partnership with the Wiltshire FA allows us to conduct high levels of safeguarding practices and provides our volunteers extensive resources to enhance their skillset when running our football therapy sessions.
Do you participate in friendly fixtures?
We only participate in friendly fixtures if we feel the fixture serves a purposes to our charitable aims. Our preference is to play in friendly fixtures with other charity teams or teams that represent an organisation similar to ourselves. Friendly fixtures are a great way for us to push service users out of their comfort zones and to continue the work we have been doing in more testing environments.
Kick Start FC is a charitable incorporated organisation. Charity no. 1203577
Affiliated to the Wiltshire Football Association
