Kitunlocker: Kick Start FC

We always knew that there were some incredible clubs and organisations operating within grassroots sport. When we started Kitunlocker, the aim was to shine a light on some of those which make an impact on people’s lives, not only on the pitch but off it too.

After supplying grassroots sport for nearly 20 years our expectations were always high, but we’ve been truly blown away by some of the clubs and individuals that we’ve spoken to so far. Meeting those who go way above and beyond their remit to make a difference to others has only further strengthened our passion for what we do. Our next featured club is no different.

Introducing Kick Start FC, a football-based mental health charity from Wiltshire. We chatted to trustee Michael Cunningham about how it got started, the impact it’s had, the importance of the right kit, and everything else in between.

Tell us about what Kick Start FC is, and how/why it was formed…

“Kick Start FC is a mental health charity that uses football as a tool to help men, women, and teenagers manage symptoms of mental health problems and reduce social isolation. We host weekly football therapy sessions, free of charge, that encourage people to “kick start” their journey to recovery and engage in activities that focus on ‘tackling the mind’.

“The idea of Kick Start FC stemmed from my own personal experiences with mental health. For years I had battled with intense mood swings. Every time I reached out for support, I remained in a continuous cycle of seeing a GP, being supplied medication, and left to my own devices. In 2019 I had reached a point where I had hit my lowest, and I just couldn’t see a way out. Thankfully I had a fantastic support network in my family and close friends to help me through it. It was at this point that I knew that if I wanted to recover, I had to find my own way of doing it.

“Football was always my outlet and after completing some research I was able to identify how football had been supporting my mental health. The sport offered physical activity, helped build relationships, offered a sense of achievement, and helped me stay grounded – all essential ingredients for maintaining positive mental wellbeing.”

What impact do you think the pandemic and the prolonged absence of team sport had?

“In February 2020, I held the first ever football therapy session with two people in attendance – both of which left after just five minutes. We were slowly building a group of 5-7 players over the next few weeks but then we were placed into lockdown the following month. During this period, conversations surrounding mental health began to surface. People were beginning to realise the importance of being outdoors and socialising with our friends and family. Due to the lack of physical activity and socialising, people began to experience loneliness and low moods.

“Once the final lockdown restrictions were over, those who were involved with sporting activities understood what value it offered to their wellbeing, and those who struggled with isolation were encouraged to register to a sports team or community group.”

How many people do you currently have coming to the sessions?

“We currently operate Football Therapy sessions for Men, Women, Youth and we have a Mixed-Gender Walking Football Therapy Sessions. We have over 300 people registered to our services with ages ranging from 11 years old up to the age of 65; and can accommodate 40 people at any time.”

How do you think playing football benefits the people that attend?

“Participating in sporting activities such as football has 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.

“1 in 4 people here in the UK will experience a mental health problem in any given year. Although mental health problems are common, many people still don’t get the help they need due to the stigma that attaches itself to the subject. These barriers can make a person feel afraid to reach out and prevent them from seeking the help or treatment they need to improve the symptoms and ease the burden. By using a sport that is popular around the globe, we as a charity are challenging the stigma associated with mental health and encouraging more people to access our services through a familiar platform.”

To what extent does physical health and mental health go hand in hand?

“When we are feeling good physically, we do things that make us feel good mentally; and vice versa! When we engage in physical activity, we are releasing the “feel good” hormones in our brain such as Serotonin and Dopamine. This helps us feel motivated, we engage with the world around us, and life in general is better. As a result, we are able to thrive and handle the daily stresses of the modern world.

“Failure to look after our physical health puts us at risk of low mood, lack of self-esteem, poor sleep hygiene and social isolation. These are some of the elements that fuel depression and anxiety.”

Do you find that the people who come to your sessions benefit from taking part in team sport?

“Absolutely! Those who work with our volunteers and engage in team activities have an opportunity to develop new skills such as communication, leadership, decision-making, all of which can be transferable away from the football pitch and into other areas of their life.

“Being involved in a team sport provides our service users a sense of belonging and helps create support networks. This can be especially important for individuals who may feel isolated or disconnected from others.

Our mission as a mental health charity isn’t to create better players, it’s to help create a better way of life for those we work with.”

How important do you think having the right kit is to a team like yours?

“Having the right kit is so important because it helps offer you a sense of identity in the community and plays a vital role in opening conversations surrounding mental health. If you look at the fantastic kit that the Kitlocker team have kindly donated to us. Our logo stands out and our slogan of #TacklingTheMind looks perfect on the back of the shirt. People want to learn more and understand what we are all about.”

What is your vision for the future of Kick Start FC?

“Long-term, we would love to operate Football Therapy sessions up and down the country to support as many people as we can who might be struggling with a mental health problem or social isolation. Through football we hope more people open up about their mental health and seek the professional support they need to further their recovery.

“A recent wellbeing report has shown that where we operate in Wiltshire has been identified as a high-risk area for depression and obesity. So, for now, we want to continue to grow as a charity and raise awareness of the service we can provide to those in our local community.”