FIT FANS rewarded with a behind the scenes visit to West Bromwich Albion Training Ground

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Participants from West Bromwich Albion’s Foundation, FIT BAGGIES programme recently paid a visit to the clubs training ground, as a reward for completing their 12-week health, fitness and lifestyle programme.

The group were invited along to use the players’ gym and Albion training ground facilities for their first FIT BAGGIES session of the new year.

The FIT FANS programme aims to transform the lives of previously inactive people, helping them to change their eating and drinking habits, while losing weight and improving their health in a safe and sustainable way.

Average weight loss statistics for the FIT FANS programme are impressive and exceed those of many other programmes. On average women lose well over 3kg and men over 5.5kg by the end of the 12 weeks. We also have evidence that lifestyle change, and weight loss are sustained over the following 12 months. More than 90% of men and 85% of women lose weight during the programme with many losing a clinically significant amount. Our data shows FIT FANS helps people to increase physical activity, and reduce sedentary time, leading to weight loss, a significant reduction in reduction in blood pressure, and improvement in self-reported mental wellbeing measures.

Keith Whitehouse, a FIT BAGGIES member and lifelong Baggies fan, was delighted to visit the training ground and was keen to highlight the benefits FIT BAGGIES has had on his life, with Keith also now part of The Foundation’s walking football team.

“It’s been a great opportunity, I’ve been a season-ticket holder for over 35 years and a supporter for over 50 years. I only live up the road from here, but this is the first opportunity I’ve had to visit and look at the fantastic facilities the club has.

“Fit Baggies has helped my fitness get to a nice position and I’ve lost some weight too. I’ve been able to maintain that weight loss and it’s given me enthusiasm to keep on with the programme, watching what I’m eating, going on regular walks and keeping up my fitness.

“I also attend walking football every week, and that’s a really good programme, it’s always friendly, fun and a great activity – it’s surprising how much energy you use in one hour of walking football. It’s a bit of a social event too, it’s really worthwhile and good for your mental health as well.”

Each FIT BAGGIES session involves 45 minutes of lifestyle education in which participants are educated on how they can start to make changes to their lifestyles which will benefit their overall health and wellbeing, whether that be through diet improvements, or exercises that positively impact physical and mental health.

Following on from their participation in the last round of FIT BAGGIES, several members have started to take part in various other sessions or events that The Albion Foundation has on offer to the Sandwell community as well as embarking on their own challenges too.

For example, Racquel Parchment, who joined FIT BAGGIES in April 2022, took part in last year’s colour run, completed the million-step challenge for Diabetes UK and has also started to get her family involved with The Foundation, with her son Jude part of the Kicks programme.

“Before joining FIT BAGGIES, I felt that I just wanted to make my body stronger and learn about healthy eating. Upon starting the programme, that’s what we straight into.

“When I started, I had no idea I’d be taking part in a 5K Colour Run, but it was the most amazing opportunity that I was given. With the encouragement of the team, I took part. Not only did I take part, but my husband and my three children did as well.

“My youngest son Jude has been involved with the foundation for several years, he’s been part of the Kicks programme which he loves thoroughly. For him he’s been blossoming from the day he started.

“I recently completed the million-step challenge for Diabetes UK too, which I feel very proud of. The previous me wouldn’t have done anything like that before, but Fit Baggies gave me the confidence to do that and to know that you can really achieve anything you want to.”

To find out more about your nearest FIT FANS programme,  please contact your local Club using the list below.

    * Please Choose Club

    Your information will be sent to a member of staff from your chosen club who will call or email information about FIT FANS. You are not committing to joining FIT FANS just to receiving further information. Your data will not be used for any other information without you consent. Please see our Privacy Policy for more details on how we manage your data

    FIT FANS with Preston North End helped repair a broken relationship with Stephen’s personal health.

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    Prior to Stephen’s journey on the FIT FANS programme at Preston North End Community and Education Trust, the world as he knew it was turned upside down. March 2020, the month that COVID-19 shook the whole of the United Kingdom, and many were advised to work from home and await further guidance. This was the start of a rapid decline for Stephen, and his health and wellbeing

    Sadly, Stephen’s father passed away in 2020 too, and it left him feeling “broken” as his health took a backseat. Very quickly, he went from having a routine and a small amount of daily exercise to almost nothing. He sat for long periods of time whether that be at his work desk or on the sofa of an evening. As a result, Stephen noticed a significant decline in both his physical and mental health and at just 40 years old he knew that something needed to be actioned to change this.

    One day, Stephen’s wife came home and told him that she had booked him in for his over 40’s health check, something he had been trying to avoid in the past but now owes her a lot of gratitude for doing so. All the tests and measurements that were taken, came back with some alarming results. He was diagnosed with Type II diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Stephen was thrown into a world of appointments, medications and following a list of dos and don’ts that he had never experienced before.

    He explained: “Back in June 2021, my weight was 152kg (when I started Fit Fans, I weighed a bit less – 141.6kg), my BMI in June 2021 was 52. In terms of diabetes (Type II), I was at 61.”
    Stephen spotted an advertisement at his local GP for our FIT FANS programme at Preston North End Community and Education Trust. He thought that the programme was something that suited him, and he described himself as “the perfect candidate” and that he “ticked every box”.

    The Trust contacted Stephen in the Summer of 2021, but with no avail. In December 2021, there was a breakthrough and Stephen enquired once more and was enrolled onto the programme.

    On the 17th January 2022, Stephen had his initial consultation at Week 0. Stephen weighed in at 141.6kg (22.3 stone), with a waist measurement of 144cm, a blood pressure reading of 176/104. Stephen was “devastated” at the numbers the FTI FANS programme has uncovered.

    Average weight loss statistics for the FIT FANS programme are impressive and exceed those of many other programmes. On average women lose well over 3kg and men over 5.5kg by the end of the 12 weeks. We also have evidence that lifestyle change, and weight loss are sustained over the following 12 months. More than 90% of men and 85% of women lose weight during the programme with many losing a clinically significant amount. Our data shows FIT FANS helps people to increase physical activity, and reduce sedentary time, leading to weight loss, a significant reduction in reduction in blood pressure, and improvement in self-reported mental wellbeing measures.

    Stephen engaged in the programme immediately with motivation to change evident. He completed at least 30 minutes of exercise every day and slowly noticed the pain he once felt when exercising was no longer there, and his enjoyment for moving his body grew and grew.

    Not only did FIT FANS help Stephen with increasing his physical activity again but also provided him with the education about food, portions, drink, and exercise.

    He said: “My most recent checks have all been fantastic (according to my diabetic nurse), my weight is 120kg currently, my BMI is 41 (she described this as phenomenal) and my Type II diabetes is 41, which is actually considered as pre-diabetic (this is the result that I wanted most), the target for me was to have this less than 48 and she says this is a fabulous achievement.”

    FIT FANS has had such a dramatic affect on Stephen, his confidence, and his physical and mental health that he now attends other provisions that the Trust offers as well as visiting new cohorts of FIT FANS to share his own experience. A story that both Stephen and everyone involved at PNECET can be proud of.

    Stephen expresses: “I’d just like to say once again how grateful I am to the whole Team at PNECET, I couldn’t have done this without your help, encouragement and support.”

    To find out more about your nearest FIT FANS programme,  please contact your local Club using the list below.

      * Please Choose Club

      Your information will be sent to a member of staff from your chosen club who will call or email information about FIT FANS. You are not committing to joining FIT FANS just to receiving further information. Your data will not be used for any other information without you consent. Please see our Privacy Policy for more details on how we manage your data

      Over 72,000 Primary School Children Set To Discover The Joy of moving

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      This year marks the ninth year of the EFL Trust delivering Ferrero UK’s corporate social responsibility programme, Joy of moving, in England and Wales.

      Through the charity partnership, EFL Club Community Organisations will continue to support and inspire thousands of children to lead an active and balanced lifestyle.

      The Joy of moving, Ferrero’s unbranded CSR programme, has been supporting children across EFL Communities in the UK for the past eight years, engaging over 440,000 children during that period, with a further 72,000 primary school children set to benefit from the programme this year.

      The programme consists of two elements – the school-based Move & Learn programme and the Joy of moving Festivals – which have been developed in conjunction with EFL Trust. The unbranded programme is designed to inspire children to move through play, and in doing so, build up key skills such as physical fitness, motor coordination, cognitive functions and creativity and life skills.

      A teacher, who welcomed Charlton Athletic Community Trust to deliver a Joy of moving session recently, said:

      “Children have thoroughly enjoyed the Joy of moving programme. I liked the way young people have been taught the importance of physical health. As a teacher, I have also enjoyed learning a new approach to PE.”

      Alongside the in-school programme offer is the Joy of moving Resource Hub which houses a variety of fun games and activities to get children and families moving at home.

      Cathy Abraham, Chief Executive at EFL Trust added:

      “We are extremely proud of the Joy of moving programme and the positive impact it has on children each year. We are delighted to continue our partnership with Ferrero and through the EFL Trust’s network of Club Community Organisations, we will continue to deliver a fun programme to children and families.”

      Charlie Cayton, Director of Corporate Affairs and Communications, Ferrero UK concluded:

      “We’re incredibly proud to have been able to deliver our corporate social responsibility programme, Joy of moving, over the past eight years to children up and down the country. Through our long-term charity partnership with the EFL Trust, the programme has delivered some fantastic results and helps to inspire children to learn skills that will support them in developing positive habits for adulthood. We look forward to the next year of the partnership as we continue to inspire children and families to get active and to discover the Joy of moving.”

      To learn more about the Joy of moving Programme, visit www.efltrust.com/joyofmoving/

      Cathy Abraham Steps into CEO role and sees Derby County’s work in action

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      The EFL Trust Board has appointed Cathy Abraham as CEO of the EFL Trust, for an interim period.

      Cathy has been part of the EFL Trust senior team for 5 years and previously held the position of Director of Operations. Cathy has extensive knowledge of the operations, strategy and values of the EFL Trust.

      Liam Scully, EFL Trust Chair said,

      “We are delighted that Cathy will be taking on this role as we begin to develop the organisation’s strategy for 2025 and beyond. Our network continues growing from strength to strength and responds not only strategically, but also quickly and tactically to the needs of EFL communities.

      Cathy said,

      “This is a very exciting time for the EFL Trust, and we look forward to continuing to develop our organisation so that we can effectively support our incredible network and the amazing work it achieves in EFL communities.

      This week, we have launched our latest Impact Report, that shows that EFL Clubs generated social value of over £865million last season. With over 840,000 participants involved in community activities, we know how important out Clubs are to the communities they serve.”

      As part of EFL’s Week of Action, Cathy visited Derby County who were showcasing Harrison’s Hub, a new dedicated warm space for the community at Pride Park Stadium. Theare many different activities taking place in the hub, from Team Talk – their men’s mental health project, to Extra Time Hub, a fortnightly coffee morning for over 55s to decrease social isolation. The hub opened its doors in November 2022, with key activities being delivered as part of the Rams Family Support project, centred around the cost of living crisis and providing a welcome, warm space, along with hot drinks and food to those who could benefit from the space.

      This includes ‘Communi-tea’, a drop-in session each Tuesday from 10am-4

      Photo by Ryan Browne/Shutterstock

      pm where hot drinks and lunch are provided, ‘Hub not a Pub’, a social space operating every other Tuesday from 7-9pm which will also provide ‘hub grub’ classics, and the continuation of the food donation hub, in partnership with Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance.

      Cathy joined Rams players Connor Hourihane and Lewis Dobbin serving meals to members of Derby’s community.

       

       

      Clinton Morrison visits school to promote Lifebuoy Soaper Heroes as part of EFL Week of Action

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      Lifebuoy Soaper Heroes Ambassador Clinton Morrison has been down at Woodford CE Primary School in Northamptonshire to improve kids’ hand washing behaviours as part of the EFL Week of Action.

      Lifebuoy have created a Soaper Heroes programme with the aim of educating kids on the importance of hand hygiene to keep themselves and those around them healthy! With cold and flu season among us, it is more important than ever to keep them away from having sick days from nasty germs. With your help, we can have them where we want them, back on the pitch and playing sport.

      Clinton said at the event taking place at the Northamptonshire-based school organised by Northampton Town Community Trust:

      “Thank you Woodford CofE Primary School and Northampton Town FC Community Trust for hosting us during the EFL’s Week of Action.

      “We’ve had fun learning about the importance of good hand hygiene with Lifebuoy.”

      With over 150 clubs and 70,000 kids taking part and benefiting from the programme in 2022, you too can become a Soaper Hero by downloading the programme using the link below.

      Upon signing up, you will receive the below pack, including two great engaging and educational football activities which you can incorporate into your everyday sessions. Good hand hygiene doesn’t need to be difficult!

      • A welcome letter from Lifebuoy Soaper Heroes Ambassadors
      • An overview of Lifebuoy’s Soaper Heroes Programme
      • Soaper Heroes warm-up activity
      • Soaper Heroes clean-up activity
      • Educational Hygiene Posters for your club
      • Soaper Heroes certificates

      Download your Soaper Heroes pack now here.

      Remember, Touch it, Wash it, Bish Bash Bosh it!

      NEW REPORT REVEALS SOCIAL VALUE AND IMPACT OF EFL CLUBS IN THE COMMUNITY

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      • EFL Clubs and their Club Community Organisations create over £865m of social value across England and Wales

      • More than £101m generated for community investment

      • Financial sustainability of EFL Clubs key to the continuation of community work

      • Launch of report kicks off EFL’s Week of Action campaign

      Today, as part of the English Football League’s (EFL) annual Week of Action, the League has launched a new report highlighting the significant role that its 72 Clubs play in supporting communities across England and Wales. The report was launched at a roundtable in Parliament with representatives from the EFL, its Clubs and Club Community Organisations (CCOs), members of the community and the Sports Minister, the Rt Hon Stuart Andrew MP.   

      Produced by research experts Substance using data from 2019 to 2022, the report shows that EFL Clubs and their Club Community Organisations (CCOs) generated more than £865m (£865,196,135) of social value to towns and cities across the country through ground-breaking community programmes during the 2021/22 season. This is the first time a social value has been attributed to the work of EFL Clubs as a collective. It represents the estimated savings to public spending and other forms of social value that Clubs and CCOs have delivered in areas including physical health, mental wellbeing, education and employment.

      In the second version of the ‘Measuring the Impact of EFL Clubs in the Community’ report, EFL Clubs are shown to be responding to the needs of their communities at an unprecedented scale with more funding and investment raised than ever before (£101m), more partnerships developed (6,744), larger numbers of staff and volunteers deployed (9,922) and more facilities and in-kind support made available to local people valued at over £40.8m (£40,848,263).

      The reach of community work delivered by EFL Clubs is vast and during the 2021/22 season, over 840,000 participants were engaged on EFL Club community programmes over almost 580,000 hours of community sessions and events – this is an 11 per cent increase on 2018/19. Updated figures show that 80 per cent of the population (47.6m people) in England and Wales live within 15 miles of an EFL Club, a reminder that EFL Clubs are important civic institutions that impact the lives of people around the country. Most recently, this was demonstrated through the ‘Together – Supporting Communities’ initiative where Clubs and CCOs united to roll out initiatives to support those hit hardest by the cost of living crisis.

      The report also quantifies the significant impact that Clubs had in their communities during the pandemic period with over 40,600 community members engaged in 8,752 COVID-19-related sessions and events resulting in more than 42,000 hours of support.

      Shining a light on the impact EFL Clubs have, today marks the start of the EFL Week of Action campaign, taking place from 16 – 20 January. Launched in 2017, the Week of Action sees Clubs and CCOs from across the EFL’s three divisions showcase some of the most impactful community projects with managers and players joining participants across the country.

      Rick Parry, Chair of the EFL, said:

      “This report provides substantial evidence that our Clubs continue to be at the heart of their communities, bringing life-changing opportunities that leave a lasting impact. The need for EFL Clubs to continue as catalysts for social change remains, with an increasing scale of Club community work delivered since 2019. Financial sustainability for EFL Clubs is key to enabling them to continue as a force for good in their communities.”

      Liam Scully, Chair of the EFL Trust, said:

      “We’re immensely proud of the community support delivered by EFL Clubs and CCOs and are thrilled to now be able to put a social value on this good work. We look forward to showcasing some of the most impactful community projects throughout this year’s Week of Action.”

      Gavin Mellor, Head of Data and Consultancy at Substance, said:

      “EFL Clubs and CCOs have arguably never been more important to their communities and this report shows just how fantastically they have responded even in the most challenging of circumstances.”

      Sports Minister, Stuart Andrew MP said:

      “The EFL’s Week of Action is a great way to highlight the significant contribution football clubs make to local communities. “Football is a way of life across England and this research shows just how vital clubs are in bringing people together and fostering a strong sense of pride.We are determined to protect these vital community assets, so clubs are placed on a sustainable footing now and into the future and continue to play a central role for generations to come.”

      To download a full copy of ‘Measuring the Impact of EFL Clubs in the Community’ report, click here.

       

       

      Janet and John

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      This is not an article extoling the virtues of the famous early reading books but one that pays a well-deserved tribute to two people who have made a massive contribution to the communities of their Football Clubs and had a significant impact on the lives of thousands of people.

      Janet Preston, Head of Morecambe FC Community Sports and John Halpin, Head of Carlisle United Community Sports Trust are both about to retire from their respective roles, having spent a combined total of over 50 years serving their communities.

      There are many terms overused and overhyped in sport and ‘loyal servant’ is one of those…however in both Janet and John’s cases it is very apt and maybe even understates their impact and service. Both Janet and John came to their Clubs when their Community Organisation were in their infancy and were not much more than an outreach programmes to get kids playing football. They both leave having created much bigger, more diverse and well run charities that help all sections of their community solving many of societies biggest issues.

      Mike Evans CEO of the EFL Trust, comments,

      “Of course we will miss them both massively as individuals. However, due to their sterling work, the charities they have been instrumental in creating have such a solid structure that the legacy they leave will continue long into the future.”

      Janet Preston Morecambe FC Community Sports

      Janet, is stepping down after 20 years of loyal service, to spend more time with her family. Janet has been with the charity since its inception as a ‘Football in the Community Scheme’ when the Club was playing non-league football and based at Christie Park. Leading the organisation on its journey to becoming a fully-fledged charity in 2007, Janet gained national recognition from peers along the way. During that time, Janet has worked with five first-team managers, two interim managers and hundreds of players, ensuring that they played their part in the community.

      Janet said:

      “It has been an absolute honour to lead Community Sports for the last 20 years, improving the lives of so many people in the community, through our range of projects. I have had the pleasure of working with some wonderful people inside and outside of Morecambe Football Club, working with fantastic partners and developing long lasting friendships. Morecambe FC Community Sports and the football club will always be a part of me, but I feel now is the right time to pass the baton on to enable me to spend some deserved quality time with my family. I leave the charity in a strong position and safe hands, with a dedicated team to take the charity onwards.”

      Morecambe Football Club Co-Chairman Rod Taylor said:

      “The Community programme has developed from an embryonic idea to what it is today, and Janet can take great pride in her role along that 20-year journey.   A Community programme is a vital heartbeat of any football club and the wider community, sometimes with initiatives that are not at the forefront of the public’s awareness. We wish Janet and her family well for the future and look forward to seeing her at the Mazuma Stadium on matchdays.”

      John Halpin, Carlisle United Community Trust

      It is some 38 years ago that a Carlisle United scout alerted the manager to a ‘nippy young Scottish winger’ called John Halpin. John went on to represent to Club 153 times over 7 years and later had a spell as Club manager.

      The much-loved winger went on to manage the Community Sports Trust, bringing the organisation in to the modern era. From an outreach programme that serviced the needs of local primary schools, it now has schemes and projects which cover every area of society, providing much needed contact for those who otherwise perhaps wouldn’t even get the chance to leave the house, let alone interact with like-minded people.

      Chairman Andrew Jenkins said:

      “John was first spotted by our scout Jack Watson in the Stokoe days, when he was out on-loan from Celtic to Sunderland. There was a transfer fee involved but everybody at the time felt it was business well worth doing. When you think about it, it proved to be a bargain considering he’s been at the club for nearly 40 years. To me John has been a great ambassador for the Club and someone you love to meet and talk to. He throws himself into everything he does and the healthy position the Community Sports Trust is in is proof of that.”

      John said

      “I was actually going to retire when I was 60 [last November] but with so much going on post-Covid, I didn’t think that would be right. I wanted to make sure that all of our projects were back up and running and the staff at the Trust have been magnificent, they really have.

      “They’ve not only picked things up again, but they’ve pushed it on to new levels, and that’s why I know that I’m leaving it in very good and capable hands.
      “I will miss it, of course I will, but I’m also very relaxed about the decision I’ve made. It’s important to give my family some of my time, it’s been all about football for so much of my life, and I’m really looking forward to that.

      “I love the club, I certainly won’t be cutting all ties, I’ll be keeping a very close eye on what everyone is doing and I know that the Community Sports Trust staff will be taking that side of the business forward at every opportunity.”

      Young Blackburn Rovers fan George doesn’t let his cerebral palsy stop him from being active

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      “He gets stuck in; he gives everything a try and there is nothing that he doesn’t want to do”

      Young Blackburn Rovers supporter, George, has recently started in reception at Avondale, in Darwen, a partner primary school of Blackburn Rovers Community Trust.

      George has cerebral palsy, and he has difficulty maneuvering himself around independently. However, this doesn’t diffuse his enthusiasm to participate in the EYFS gymnastics sessions run by Blackburn Rovers Community Trust at his school on a weekly basis.

      The sessions focus on helping the children travel with both their hands and feet, with around 30 students aged 4-5 from Avondale participating each week.

      George’s one-to-one, Zoe, said: “George has come on a lot, he gets stuck in and gives everything a try.

      “When he first started his limbs were very tight and I do physio sessions with him daily. He wears splints, not for the PE sessions that Blackburn Rovers Community Trust or we provide, but his flexibility has come on. George’s balance is getting better, and he’s benefitted massively from all the sessions he has available to him.

      “He has cerebral palsy, it’s his lower limbs so it predominantly affects his lower half

      “George is a massive Rovers fan and every time we come, he says ‘I love Blackburn Rovers’ so it’s great to connect the two and he knows the familiarity of the club so it’s great that he can do sessions.”

      Each week, the sessions follow a different engaging theme to allow the children to use their imagination, and just recently, the session was focused on superheroes and animals.

      The skills Blackburn Rovers Community Trust’s staff teach include balancing both on and off apparatus, jumping and landing safely, transferring weight from one limb to another and rolling.

      George is always looking to get involved with each activity put in front of him, and always has a huge smile on his face.

      Sarah, SENCO lead at Avondale, said: “George is a resilient little boy who will give everything a go. He always has a smile on his face, and we include him in everything we can.

      “He has physiotherapy sessions every day at school to ensure that his muscles are getting stretched, and we are trying to build that up. He is making progress.

      “George loves football and he loves Blackburn Rovers. It is good he is encouraged to have a go at anything, and he looks forward to the sessions Blackburn Rovers Community Trust runs.

      George’s dad concluded by saying: “George loves to be active and never lets his disabilities hold him back. He’s a big Rovers fan and always tells the family how much he loves doing PE with Rovers.”

      Every Player Counts with Wigan Athletic Community Trust has given Carl a sense of belonging in his local community.

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      Carl presents a mild learning disability and also expresses his struggles with mental health, but the Trust Every Player Counts session has given Carl a sense of belonging in his community. As well as this the sessions provide him an opportunity to play the game he loves whilst keeping fit and encouraging social interaction.

      He commented on why he enjoyed the session: “Come enjoy the game, get an hour out of the house, enjoy the session. Get to know everyone and become part of the team.”

      The Every Player Counts programme which was funded by Wembley National Stadium Trust for 6 years has helped 12,498 people with a wide range of disabilities play football – many for the first time. The programme was delivered across 40 EFL Club Community Organisations, with around 19,000 Every Player Counts sessions being provided.

      He is now 36 years old and has been involved in Wigan Athletic Community Trust provisions since the age of 16 where he participated in Premier League Kicks sessions. Carl’s involvement with the Trust speaks volumes as to the benefit it has on the local community.

      Carl is a big character within his team, and his passion for the sport shines through. He even attends the sessions if he is injured to offer his support and encouragement to other players.

      The big reason for Carl’s continued engagement with the Trust is not only the fulfilment it provides but also gives him the reason to leave home.

      He explains: “It’s got me more involved. If I’m at home I’m going to be bored so I just want to play football on Wednesdays. It gets me out of the house so I enjoy coming here.”

      Wigan Community Trust has played a huge role in Carl’s life, and he has now expressed a desire to volunteer at other programmes facilitated by the Trust to give back in the way the Trust has given to him.

      From Participant to Coach: How Foundation 92 Changed Damian’s Life

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      “Last week I was working in a Youth Centre discussing crime and one of the kids questioned ‘what do you know about it?’. So, I told them about my past and what I’d been through, so I know how they feel.”

      Damian is now a coach at Foundation 92, Salford City FC’s Charity, however he was once on the other side of their provision as a participant and his outlook was very different. Damian had been dealt a rough hand and after being made homeless he began to experience depression. His depression became so intense that he believed there was no way out and one day he said to his mum “I love you, have a good life.” With no intention of returning home, he went to the train station to end his life, but as he tried to do so, a stranger pulled him back and asked Damian what was wrong.  Simply put, Damien replied, “I’m done.”

      Damian was invited to Foundation 92’s, 92 Shield programme and this is where the trajectory of his life began to change. The programme provides a safe space for football and conversation for those who have faced various hardships.

      On his experience with the programme, he explained: “I love football and so my mental health totally changed where from I was down in the dumps of not wanting to get up in the morning to having something to look forward to.”

      The Foundation 92 staff became a support network to Damian that he felt he could turn to at any time.

      And now as a full-time Community Sports Coach at the Foundation, this hasn’t changed.

      He said: “the Foundation has given me a sense of well-being and family with some of my colleagues, knowing that you can talk to and trust them.”

      His progression from participant and coach is something he “can’t believe” and he now hopes he can use his own experiences to help people in his local community through their struggles.

      “We do a lot of work in education, so I’ve been involved in helping children that need extra support with their behavioural challenges, so it’s given me an insight into what other people’s lives are like. I can put myself in their situations and give them a bit of guidance and support.

      “Most of the things that they have been through, I’ve seen or experienced myself, so we have similar upbringings or backgrounds. It’s about how you put it [experiences] through.”