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
Engaging in regular physical activity, such as football, has been shown to significantly benefit mental health. Exercise can help reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression, while also enhancing mood, self-esteem, and overall emotional wellbeing.
At Kick Start FC, we recognise the additional value of community and connection. By participating in our football therapy sessions, individuals not only experience the mental health benefits of physical activity but also have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with others who share similar experiences—creating a supportive environment that fosters belonging, resilience, and positive mental health.
IMPROVING SOCIAL WELLBEING
Being part of a team offers individuals a vital sense of belonging and connection, which can play a key role in reducing feelings of isolation. Our Football Therapy sessions provide a welcoming environment where participants can form new friendships, build supportive relationships, and develop a meaningful social network.
This sense of community is especially important for those who may feel isolated or disconnected, helping them to re-engage with others in a positive, inclusive setting that promotes both mental and emotional wellbeing.
IMPROVING AWARENESS
As a mental health charity, we are committed to raising awareness and fostering greater understanding of mental health challenges. Through our work, we aim to challenge stigma and highlight that recovery is possible. We believe that individuals living with mental health conditions can lead fulfilling lives, achieve their goals, and contribute meaningfully as active, valued members of their communities.
IMPROVING SELF-ESTEEM
Engagement with our dedicated volunteers offers service users valuable opportunities for personal growth and development. Participation in Football Therapy supports the cultivation of essential skills—including communication, leadership, decision-making, and teamwork—that extend beyond the football pitch and can positively impact other areas of their lives.
REDUCING STIGMA
By bringing together individuals from all walks of life to participate in Football Therapy, we help break down the stigma often associated with mental health. Our sessions foster a sense of unity and understanding, reminding participants that they are not alone—and that many others are facing similar challenges. This shared experience creates a supportive environment where openness, empathy, and acceptance can thrive.
ACCESSING PATHWAYS
We are committed to assisting individuals who require additional support by connecting them with appropriate professional services and psychological treatments. Through effective signposting, we help ensure that service users receive the specialised care they need to support their mental health and wellbeing.
FOOTBALL THERAPY SESSION INFORMATION
MEN'S FOOTBALL THERAPY
Thursdays
Tidworth Astroturf, SP9 7BN
19:00-20:00
FREE
Open to aged 16 and over
WOMEN'S FOOTBALL THERAPY
Thursdays
Tidworth Astroturf, SP9 7BN
20:15-21:15
FREE
Open to aged 16 and over
WALKING FOOTBALL THERAPY
Wednesday
Tidworth Astroturf, SP9 7BN
18:45-19:45
FREE
Open to aged 16 and over
MEET OUR SESSION LEADS
Our Football Therapy sessions are led by a team of passionate volunteers who are deeply committed to supporting the mental wellbeing of our service users and advancing the charitable objectives of Kick Start FC. All session leads receive comprehensive training in mental health awareness, mental health first aid, and hold at least the FA Introduction to Coaching qualification.
The primary role of our session leads is to facilitate engaging and supportive football therapy sessions, while also providing guidance to individuals seeking to access professional mental health services. Our service is designed to offer peer support and brief intervention for those awaiting professional care; it is not intended to replace medical advice, psychological treatment, or diagnosis of mental health conditions.
Football Therapy Session Lead
Michael Cunningham
Football Therapy Session Lead
Shaun Spanswick
Football Therapy Session Lead
Jordan McGuire
Football Therapy Session Lead
Max Barclay
Football Therapy Session Lead
Vince Green
We are deeply grateful for the invaluable support of our volunteers, trustees, service users, and friends who contribute to the success of Kick Start FC.
If you are interested in becoming a session lead for Kick Start FC, please contact us by clicking here. Alternatively, if you would like to explore opportunities to support the delivery of football therapy sessions in your local area, we would love to hear from you. Please get in touch to learn more.
FOOTBALL THERAPY - 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 includes games and activities that promote exercise, communication, teamwork, and fun. Sessions begin with a group conversation — an opportunity to check in with service users, discuss mental health topics, and raise awareness. This is followed by a warm-up to engage the mind and body while reducing the risk of injury. Participants are then invited to take part in team-based activities, which may include fun games or football-related drills. Each session concludes with a light-hearted match, often played with limited touches to encourage inclusion for all, and with a strict no slide-tackling rule.
Where are the football therapy sessions held?
All of our football therapy sessions are held at the Aspire Astroturf in Tidworth (postcode SP9 7BN). We host a mixed-gender walking football session every Wednesday from 6:45 to 7:45 pm. On Thursdays, we run a men’s football therapy session from 7:00 to 8:00 pm, followed by a women’s football therapy session from 8:15 to 9:15 pm.
How long are the football therapy sessions?
Our football therapy sessions last approximately 60 minutes and take place on a weekly basis. Please note that during the winter months, the astroturf is shared with local football teams. In the event of a delayed pitch handover, a session may start slightly later than planned; however, we will always ensure that each session runs for the full 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 anyone seeking support for their mental health can access our services without the worry of additional costs, particularly during the ongoing cost of living crisis.
How are you able to provide your football therapy sessions at no cost to service users?
We carry out our own fundraising throughout the year and also apply for community grants to help cover the costs of running our football therapy sessions. This funding supports expenses such as pitch hire, insurance, and equipment maintenance. Service users are welcome to donate or take part in fundraising activities as a way of giving back to the service, should they wish. We are very fortunate to have had some amazing organisations reach out and fundraise on our behalf. For updates on upcoming fundraising events, please visit our social media pages.
Can I join even if I am no good at playing football?
Absolutely! We welcome people of all football abilities and fitness levels to our football therapy sessions — even if you’ve never kicked a football before! It’s not about being the best player; it’s about taking part in something positive for your mental wellbeing.
Do I need to fill in a registration form to attend the football therapy sessions?
We ask anyone who would like to take part in our football therapy sessions to complete a registration form. This helps us understand your reasons for accessing our services and allows us to manage expectations for those who may be seeking professional support. All registration forms are treated confidentially and in accordance with GDPR regulations. Please note that anyone who has not completed a registration form will not be permitted to attend.
Can I join if I don’t personally struggle with mental health, mental ill health, or social isolation?
Our football therapy sessions are specifically designed to support individuals who are experiencing symptoms of poor mental health, mental ill health, or social isolation. To ensure these spaces remain available for those who need them most, we kindly ask that you do not complete a registration form unless you meet this criteria. If you would like to discuss this with a member of team, please feel free to email your enquiry.
What happens once I have completed a registration form?
Once you have completed a registration form, we will assess your need for support to help manage expectations of our service. After your form has been reviewed, you will receive an email outlining the next steps. Please do not attend a session until you have received this confirmation email, as you may not be able to participate otherwise. The confirmation email may sometimes end up in your junk or spam folder, so please be sure to check there as well.
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 can come with mental health symptoms and recognise that people have other responsibilities. However, to gain the maximum benefit from our services, we encourage all participants to attend football therapy sessions as regularly as possible.
If I enjoy the sessions am I able to invite a friend?
While we rely on our service users to help raise awareness of our football therapy sessions, please ensure that you are encouraging individuals who genuinely need support with their mental health, mental ill health, or social isolation. Anyone wishing to access our service must follow the same process as all other participants and complete a registration form. Please do not bring anyone to a session unless they have received a confirmation email and been accepted into our services, as they will not be permitted to participate.
Are you a registered football team?
No, we are a mental health charity registered with the Charity Commission (charity no. 1203577). We are also registered with the Wiltshire Football Association, which enables us to maintain high standards of safeguarding and provides our volunteers with extensive resources to enhance their skills when running football therapy sessions.
Do you participate in friendly fixtures?
We only take part in friendly fixtures if we feel the match supports our charitable aims. Our preference is to play against other charity teams or organisations with similar goals. Friendly fixtures provide an opportunity for service users to step outside their comfort zones and apply the skills and confidence they have been developing in a slightly more challenging environment. This includes charity tournaments and also allows us to network with other groups interested in learning more about our work.
Do you do football sessions for children?
Historically, we have tried to run football therapy sessions for younger age groups. However, we found that the expectations of parents and carers regarding our service did not align with our charity’s values. As a result, we made the decision to suspend our Youth Football Therapy sessions.
Get Involved
Football Therapy Registration Form
Mental Health Awareness Workshop
Legal Information
Confidentiality Policy
Kick Start FC is a charitable incorporated organisation. Charity no. 1203577
Affiliated to the Wiltshire Football Association
Working in partnership with:
Campaign Against Living Miserably
Resources
FA Mental Health Guide For Coaches
England Football Respect Campaign