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

Our impact in action
Kick Start FC exists to make a real difference in people’s lives through football, connection, and community support. Our impact goes beyond attendance numbers—it is reflected in improved confidence, reduced isolation, and better mental wellbeing for the people who take part in our sessions.
This page shares the outcomes of our work, the voices of our participants, and the difference we are making across our communities every week.



Guided by our mission, values, and vision, we continue to measure our progress through real-world outcomes, recognised achievements, and the experiences of the people we support.
These principles shape how we deliver every session and how we understand the impact of our work across the community.
⚽ Delivery & Reach (2023–2026)
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500+ football therapy sessions delivered
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350+ recorded service users across all sessions
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Weekly sessions delivered across Wiltshire communities
👥 Participation (2023–2026)
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Consistent engagement from participants attending regularly over time
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An average of 60 participants per week
📍 Mental Health Awareness Workshop Community reach (2026)
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Delivered 5 workshops in Wiltshire
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A total of 28 members of the community trained in Mental Health Awareness
🧠 Mental Health Awareness Workshop outcomes (based on learner feedback)
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96% reported improved understanding of mental health
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98% reported increased confidence in talking about mental health
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100% reported that they would recommend people complete the workshop

We are committed to ensuring our work is meaningful, consistent, and accountable. Our impact is measured through a combination of:
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Session attendance tracking
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Participant feedback forms
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Informal wellbeing check-ins
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Partner and stakeholder feedback
This approach allows us to understand both the scale of our delivery and the lived experience of those taking part.

While numbers and recognition show the scale of our work, the most important measure of impact comes from the people who take part in our sessions.






Mental health challenges affect thousands of people across our communities. Many individuals experience isolation, anxiety, or a loss of routine and confidence.
Kick Start FC exists to provide a simple but powerful solution: connection through football. By creating safe, welcoming spaces, we help people take positive steps towards improved wellbeing at their own pace.
Our work has been recognised for its contribution to supporting mental health and community wellbeing through sport.
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Wiltshire FA 'Health Club Of The Year' & 'Inclusive Football and Community' Awards - 2023
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Tidworth Town Community Award - 2024
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Wiltshire FA 'Inclusive Football and Community' Recognition - 2025
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Pride Of Andover Sport Awards - 2025
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Test Valley Volunteer Star Award - 2026
Each recognition reflects the growing understanding of the role football can play in improving mental health, building confidence, and reducing isolation.






Kick Start FC is a charitable incorporated organisation
Registered Charity Number 1203577
Affiliated to the Wiltshire Football Association






