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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.

FOOTBALL THERAPY VOLUNTEERS

Our football therapy volunteers are trained in mental health awareness, first aid for mental health, and hold at minimum the FA Introduction to Coaching qualification. Each volunteer boasts a passion of supporting people with their wellbeing and show great commitment to achieving our charitable aims.

Kick Start FC Coach

Martin Higgins

Kick Start FC Coach

Shaun Spanswick

Kick Start FC Coach

Ben Hammett-Brady

Kick Start FC Coach

Jordan McGuire

If you would like to join our amazing team of football therapy volunteers, we are keen to talk to you. As the demand for our services increases, the more volunteers we need to support our service users. To discuss a volunteering opportunity, please email us by clicking here.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is football therapy?

Football therapy is a term used to describe our method of supporting someone with poor mental health, mental ill health, or struggling with social isolation. Our football therapy sessions are specifically designed to benefit the mental health of those who attend, and leave participants in a better mindset than when they first arrived. Whilst we use football as our main tool, mental health is at the forefront of everything we do.

What is the format of a normal football therapy session?

Each football therapy session is specifically designed to incorporate games and activities that encourage exercise, communication, team work and being able to have fun. The session normally begins with a group conversation followed by a group warm-up activity. Service users are then split into two groups to engage in a couple of team activities followed by a light-hearted game at the end.

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.

Our Youth football therapy sessions are currently held at The Wellington Academy, Ludgershall, SP11 9RR.

How long are the football therapy sessions?

Our football therapy sessions last for around 60minutes, and are held on a weekly basis.

How much does it cost to attend a football therapy session?

Our football therapy sessions are FREE to attend. We do not offer a charge as we want to ensure that our services are accessible to those who need to use it.

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 providing equipment. Our service users can also donate as a way of giving back to the service.

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! Football is a game for everyone.

Can I join even if I don't fall into the criteria of struggling with mental health, mental ill health, or social isolation?

No. Our charity is for the benefit of those who need an intervention for their symptoms only.

Will I be expected to attend every week?

No, we don't expect anyone to attend every session. However, in order to feel the maximum benefit of our football therapy sessions we encourage all service users to attend as regularly as possible.

Are you a registered football team?

We are registered with the Wiltshire Football Association, but we are not a football team.

Do you participate in friendly fixtures?

We participate in friendly fixtures if we feel the fixture is of benefit to our service users. Our preference is to play in friendly fixtures with other charity teams or teams that represent an organisation similar to ourselves.

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 identify what we can put in place to provide you with support. Any forms we receive remain confidential and apply to GDPR regulations.

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.