Tackling mental health and physical wellbeing at Mansfield football event

The event on Saturday (May 9) featured four teams and two matches involving players connected to Mansfield Mind FC, with many also actively involved in MAN v FAT.

Dominic Helley, one of the founding members of Mansfield Mind FC said: "While football was at the heart of the afternoon, the wider message behind the event focused on the importance of mental wellbeing, support networks and the positive impact grassroots football can have both on and off the pitch.

“For many involved, the occasion meant far more than just playing a game of football. A large number of the group are lifelong Mansfield Town supporters and never imagined they would one day walk out onto the pitch at the One Call Stadium themselves.”

Mansfield Mind FC itself started as an idea and has continued to grow into a close-knit group of more than 200 members, built around support, friendship and creating a positive environment for men of all abilities to stay active and enjoy football again.

Dominic Helley added: “The atmosphere throughout the day reflected exactly what the club is about, with players supported by friends, partners and family members from the stands across both matches.”

Brad Goddon-Smith, who has been involved with MAN v FAT Mansfield for the past three and a half years and now helps support player welfare within the group, said the event was “a real celebration” of what both groups have achieved.

Having previously weighed close to 24 stone before losing more than seven stone through MAN v FAT Mansfield, Brad described the opportunity to play 11-a-side football at the One Call Stadium alongside close friends as “something I’ll hold dear to me for a very long time.”

He added: “Events like this show the power of sport in bringing people together, helping individuals improve both physically and mentally, and creating friendships that may never otherwise have happened.”

The event also highlighted the strong links and friendships built through football in Mansfield over recent years, particularly through MAN v FAT Mansfield, which has played a major role in helping many of the players involved improve both physically and mentally.

The club also paid special thanks to Aaron Lee of Apollo Quality and Assessment Ltd for his continued support and for developing the Mansfield Mind FC app, which has been hugely important to the growth of the group. The app has helped bring everything together in one place, from fixtures, kickabouts and social events to player achievements and badges earned both on and off the pitch, giving members another positive way to stay involved and connected with the club.

Following the success of the day, Mansfield Mind FC hope to continue growing both on and off the pitch, using football as a way of bringing people together and supporting men’s wellbeing within the local community.

Anyone interested in joining the group, supporting what the club does or partnering with Mansfield Mind FC in the future is encouraged to get in touch through the club’s social media channels.