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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MENTAL HEALTH WORLD CUP 2025
Monday 19th May 2025
Over the past 6 years, the annual Mental Health World Cup tournament has been held at Loftus Road Stadium, home of Queens Park Rangers Football Club. This tournament brings charities, business, and football teams together to raise important funding for mental health services including The Mix, Beder, Campaign Against Living Miserably and Sport In Mind.
This year the hosts of the UK's leading charity tournament invited Kick Start FC to come along represent two of the countries selected to participate in the action. We were provided with the opportunity to represent Ireland and Japan, and to provide some of our service users the chance to play at a professional football stadium. The tournament was streamed live by one of the tournaments sponsors iME with all subscriptions being donated to the mental health charities. To watch the streams click here.
Throughout the day we were able to network with likeminded organisations and to talk to former professionals Matthew Connolly (QPR & Arsenal) and Matthew Briggs (Fulham & Millwall) about how we are using football to aid people in their recoveries.
Across the two days, an incredible £232,000 was raised through fundraising, auctions, and spectator ticket sales. To learn more about the Mental Health World Cup please visit there website at www.mentalhealthworldcup.org.uk
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
