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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Kicking Off Mental Health
Awareness Week
Each year, Kick Start FC proudly marks the start of Mental Health Awareness Week by hosting our annual Mental Health Awareness Tournament - a celebration of football, community, and the importance of positive mental wellbeing.
More than just a football tournament, the event is designed to bring people together, encourage conversations around mental health, and remind participants that support, connection, and understanding can make a real difference in people's lives.
This year's tournament welcomed participants from our Men's Football Therapy, Women's Football Therapy, and Walking Football Therapy programmes, with more than 50 service users coming together to take part in a fun and inclusive six-a-side competition.
Six teams competed throughout the day, with creative names including Support County, Wellness Wanderers, Mind City, and Self Care Athletic. Each team embraced the spirit of Mental Health Awareness Week, promoting positivity, teamwork, resilience, and support both on and off the pitch.
At Kick Start FC, we believe football has the power to do far more than improve physical fitness. It creates opportunities for friendship, connection, confidence, and belonging.
Mental health affects every community, every family, and people from all walks of life. While awareness and understanding continue to improve, many individuals still face challenges such as isolation, stigma, anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Events like our annual tournament provide a safe and welcoming space where people can come together, share experiences, and feel part of a supportive community.
Throughout the day, participants demonstrated the values that sit at the heart of everything we do — encouragement, inclusion, respect, and teamwork. Whether competing on the pitch, cheering teammates from the sidelines, or simply enjoying conversations with others, everyone played a role in creating a positive and uplifting atmosphere.
For many participants, the greatest benefit of the day wasn't the football itself, but the opportunity to connect with others who understand the importance of community and support.
The tournament offered a chance to build confidence, strengthen friendships, and improve wellbeing through shared experiences. The laughter, encouragement, and camaraderie on display throughout the event highlighted just how powerful sport can be in bringing people together and supporting mental health recovery.
At a time when demand for mental health support continues to grow, accessible community initiatives have never been more important. Through our Football Therapy programmes and events such as this tournament, we aim to create environments where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to take positive steps towards better wellbeing.
Mental Health Awareness Week serves as an important reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health. It encourages us all to check in on ourselves, support those around us, and continue challenging the stigma that can prevent people from seeking help.
Our annual tournament is one way we bring that message to life, using the universal language of football to start conversations, strengthen communities, and promote positive mental wellbeing.
As another successful tournament comes to a close, we would like to thank everyone who took part, volunteered, and supported the event. The day was a fantastic celebration of community spirit and a powerful example of how football can help people connect, grow in confidence, and improve their wellbeing.
We are already looking forward to next year's tournament and continuing to use football as a force for positive mental health across our communities.
Charity Partners
Kick Start FC is a charitable incorporated organisation
Registered Charity Number 1203577
Affiliated to the Wiltshire Football Association