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.
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
Jordan McGuire
Football Therapy Session Lead
Benjamin Hammet-Brady
Football Therapy Session Lead
Max Barclay
Football Therapy Session Lead
Michael Cunningham
Football Therapy Session Lead
Shaun Spanswick
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 SESSION INFORMATION
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
2015-2115
FREE
Open to aged 16 and over
WALKING FOOTBALL THERAPY
Wednesday
Tidworth Astroturf, SP9 7BN
1845-1945
FREE
Open to aged 16 and over
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 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 mental health awareness. The conversation is often followed by a warm-up activity to start working the mind and to prevent the risk of sustaining any injuries. Service users are split into two groups and encouraged to engage in a couple of team activities. This may include a fun game or a football-based drill. Each football therapy session concludes with a light-hearted game of football which often begins with limited touches to promote inclusion for all involved and is strictly no slide tackling.
Where are the football therapy sessions held?
All of our football therapy sessions at held the Aspire Astroturf in Tidworth, postcode SP9 7BN. On Wednesdays we host a mixed-gender walking football session between 18:45-19:45. On Thursdays we host a men's football therapy session between 19:00-20:00 and a women's football therapy session between 20:15-21:15
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 astroturf is shared with local football teams. If there is a delay in pitch handover, our session may begin at a later time but we will always ensure every session 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 our equipment. Service users can also donate or fundraise as a way of giving back to our service should they wish. 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! 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 registration form to attend the football therapy sessions?
Yes. We require anyone who would like to get involved with our football therapy services to fill in a registration 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. Please be advised that if you have not completed a registration form, you will not be permitted to attend.
Can I join even if I don't fall into the criteria of struggling with mental health, mental ill health, or social isolation?
Our football therapy services are for the benefit of those are in need of an intervention for symptoms of poor mental health, mental ill health and social isolation only. Please do not complete a registration form if you do not need fit this criteria.
What happens once I have completed a registration form?
Once you have completed a registration 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, otherwise you might be not able to get involved. The confirmation email may fall into your junk box so please check for this.
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 and that people will have responsibilities. 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.
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, please ensure that you are encouraging them to access our services because they also need support with their mental health, mental ill health, or to reduce social isolation. Anyone who wishes to access our service will be required to follow the same process as all the other service users and complete a registration form. Please do not bring anybody along to our sessions unless they have received a confirmation email and have been accepted into our services, they will not be permitted to get involved.
Are you a registered football team?
No. We are a mental health charity that is registered through the charity commission (charity no. 1203577). We are also registered with the Wiltshire Football Association which 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. This includes charity tournaments. This also helps us network with groups that want to learn more about our charity.
Do you do football sessions for children?
Historically we have tried to run football therapy sessions for younger age groups, but we found that the expectations from parents and carers regarding our service didn't align with our charity's values. Therefore we made the decision to suspend our Youth Football Therapy sessions.
Kick Start FC is a charitable incorporated organisation. Charity no. 1203577
Affiliated to the Wiltshire Football Association
Confidentiality Policy
Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults
FA Mental Health Guide For Coaches
England Football Respect Campaign
