A new football team has been established in Coventry to support mental health and encourage open discussions about personal struggles.
Sean Davies, a 33-year-old staff member at Coventry University, created the team, Stay Strong United, after experiencing his own challenges, including the loss of loved ones.
Stay Strong United provides a space for individuals to be active and express their feelings safely.
“The response has been incredible,” Mr. Davies said. “People are excited to join and appreciate having a safe space.”
Collaborating with the university’s apprentices, he explained, “I set up this mental health football team to support myself and others, using football as a foundation to improve mental health.”
The team welcomes players of any footballing ability.
“It’s a platform to play football, make friends, and talk openly about your week and mental health in a safe environment,” Mr. Davies said.
He takes great pride in the team’s creation, emphasizing that the off-pitch impact is more important than the results on the pitch.
Stay Strong United is open to anyone aged 18 or over, regardless of gender or footballing ability.
“My ethos is to just turn up, play, and enjoy yourself. I look forward to welcoming everyone to the club,” Mr. Davies added.
Sessions are held at Christ the King FC in Coventry. Stay Strong United will participate in a festival hosted by the West Midlands Mental Health League on June 26.
