Blackpool FC Community Trust announced the launch of a new initiative, ‘Active Minds’ in May. Active Minds addresses the growing demand for mental well-being outlets and support. There is often a stigma associated with mental health, so Active Minds combats that and promotes positive well-being through the power of sport.
Weekly sessions are more than just showing up for an hour and then returning home. We have developed Active Minds to impact the lives of local people, create a sense of belonging, encourage new friendships, and improve physical and mental well-being. We want our participants to be part of something bigger, experiencing togetherness and self-achievement.
Active Minds utilises facilities across the town to provide accessible and cost-appropriate football sessions for the wider community. Anyone aged 18+ can get involved, regardless of whether they have played football before.
A typical session is two hours and consists of participating in some activity alongside socialising. It’s more than just football; it’s about switching off for a few hours a day, away from the stresses of life.
The first phase of six sessions a week launched on Monday 1st July, with a further phase starting next month and introducing additional locations and activities.
Since the launch of Active Minds, we have engaged with over 100 local individuals per week at our Stanley Park and Aspire Sports Hub sessions. We recently announced a brand new session at Unity Academy on Thursday evenings from 7pm to 8pm starting on the 29th of August. We plan to add more sessions and venues soon.
Shane, Active Minds Team Leader at Blackpool FC Community Trust, said,
“I felt there was a need for an affordable active community group for both men and women across Blackpool, the feedback we have had been amazing.
“Starting with one session and now delivering over six sessions a week has been an amazing progression, knowing the participants look forward to next week’s session is a great feeling. We have over 100 participants attending per week, and we look forward to growing even further.”
One of our regular participants, Scott said,
“I have completed the first six-week block of sessions on a Monday night with Active Minds. The organisers both Shane and Seb have been brilliant in making sure it’s a good fun session with lots of laughs and good football played. Any strong tackles or people getting on each other’s backs is squashed to maintain a positive session. Thank you to all the lads that play fairly, it’s a pleasure to be a part of. I am looking forward to the next block of sessions.”
Join us on:
Monday
Women’s Football Session – Aspire Sports Hub, FY3 7JH, 6pm-7pm
Men’s Football Session – Stanley Park 4G Astroturf, FY3 9HG, 7pm-8pm
Tuesday
Women’s Football Session – Aspire Sports Hub, FY3 7JH, 7pm-8pm
Men’s Football Session – Aspire Sports Hub, FY3 7JH, 8pm-9pm
Thursday
Men & Women’s Football Session – Unity Academy, FY2 0TS 7pm-8pm (commencing 29th august 2024)
All sessions cost £2.50 and include opportunities to socialise before and after each session.
Find out more here.
