Football in Mind Making a Difference in Eynsham Community
Football in Mind is an incredible project that has been running in Eynsham for 18 months, and has become a focal part of the local community.
Football in Mind sessions are informal football sessions, combining the beautiful game with mental health support. The sessions enable players to join together to use football as an escape from everything for an hour, and a comfortable environment where those involved can open up about issues affecting their mental health.
Football in Mind was established following the tragic passing of Daniel Johnson (pictured), who took his own life in 2021 due to mental health. Will James, a friend and team-mate of Daniel, became very aware of how Daniel’s death had affected the local community. Will felt a duty of care to provide something that supported that community, emphasised more during the COVID-19 pandemic when mental health became a trending topic and delivered particularly staggering statistics relating to male mental health and its effects.
Will reached out to Daniel’s father, Scott, to inform him of the plans to set up a regular football session for the local community. With Scott’s immediate support, the sessions came to fruition, and Scott has been a regular participant since.
“As a family, we feel very passionate about raising awareness about mental health, so we decided to start a charity day in memory of Daniel,” explained Scott.
“All the money raised goes to Thames Valley Air Ambulance and CALM (Campaign Against People Living Miserably). The sessions, on a Friday night, give me and others the opportunity to open up about our issues, which is something that needs to happen more.”
After reaching out to Oxfordshire FA’s Football Development Manager, Michael Thurlow, we helped Will set up the sessions as a JustPlay session, and were pleased to be able to provide balls and bibs. The session was supported by Oxfordshire MIND, who attended early sessions and spoke to participants, signposting to mental health support available in West Oxfordshire.
Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) provide facilities for free each week, which highlights the organisation’s core values and dedication to local communities.
GET INVOLVED
Football in Mind is a very welcoming and accommodating session for all ages and abilities. All are free to attend. Sessions run on Fridays from 7pm to 8pm on Bartholomew Astroturf Pitch, Eynsham, Witney (OX29 4QP). For more information, please email willhames2929@gmail.com or jamesnewton3104@icloud.com
Although Will moved away from the area after the sessions started, he continues to return and check in occasionally. Since then, the running of the sessions has been overseen by James Newton.
“The Friday night sessions have grown, on occasion, from just being a kick-about to a social chat and drink afterwards. It’s amazing how many members we have in our group after what’s been a relatively short period,” said James.
“We currently have 30 people on our Football in Mind group chat now. Anybody interested is more than welcoming to pop along and join in. I personally joined the group to help my own mental health, after suffering with PTSD for the second time in four years. The sessions help me feel free or an hour every week, and I have been lucky enough to make core friendships at the same time.
That sentiment is one that has been shared by a number of regular participants, highlighting the immeasurable impact that football, community and friendship can have.
Neil said: “I joined the Football in Mind session after losing my best friend to mental health. I feel it helps me talk to others about men’s mental health, a subject that normally goes under the radar. What better way than to play football with others that are struggling?”
Toby added: “I started to play our Friday night football to help with my ADHD and weekly work stress. It provides me with an hour to forget life and have fun, while making friends at the same time. It’s also supported me really well, so thank you.”
GET INVOLVED
Football in Mind is a very welcoming and accommodating session for all ages and abilities. All are free to attend. Sessions run on Fridays from 7pm to 8pm on Bartholomew Astroturf Pitch, Eynsham, Witney (OX29 4QP). For more information, please email willhames2929@gmail.com or jamesnewton3104@icloud.com
If you require any support in regards to mental health, support is available locally courtesy of Oxfordshire MIND and Sport in Mind. Please click on the links below to visit their respective websites for support and details of how to get in touch.
OXFORDSHIRE MIND
SPORT IN MIND
If you would be interested in establishing a similar informal football session in your community, Oxfordshire FA is happy to help get things started. Contact Michael Thurlow, Football Development Manager, via michael.thurlow@oxfordshirefa.com