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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UP FOR THE CUP - MENTAL HEALTH WORLD CUP 2025
Monday 19th May 2025
Over the past six years, the annual Mental Health World Cup has taken place at Loftus Road Stadium, home of Queens Park Rangers Football Club. The tournament brings together charities, businesses, and football teams to raise crucial funding for mental health services, including The Mix, Beder, Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), and Sport In Mind.
This year, Kick Start FC was honoured to be invited to participate in the UK’s leading charity football tournament. We were given the exciting opportunity to represent Ireland and Japan, offering some of our service users a once-in-a-lifetime chance to play at a professional football stadium. The experience was not only thrilling on the pitch but also provided a meaningful platform to demonstrate the power of football in supporting mental health and recovery.
The tournament was streamed live by one of the event’s sponsors, iME, with all subscription revenue donated directly to mental health charities. For those who missed the live action, you can watch the streams by clicking here.
Across the two-day event, Kick Start FC had the opportunity to connect with like-minded organisations and share our mission of using football as a therapeutic tool. We also met and spoke with former professional players Matthew Connolly (QPR & Arsenal) and Matthew Briggs (Fulham & Millwall), discussing how football can be a powerful part of recovery and community building.
The Mental Health World Cup is more than just a football tournament—it’s a catalyst for awareness and fundraising. Over the course of the two days, the event raised an incredible £232,000 through fundraising, auctions, and ticket sales. These funds will go directly to supporting vital mental health services across the UK.
Kick Start FC is proud to have been part of this inspiring event and grateful for the opportunity to showcase the positive impact of football on mental health. To learn more about the Mental Health World Cup and its ongoing work, please visit their website: www.mentalhealthworldcup.org.uk.
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