Published: Tuesday 13 October 2020
A North Kensington football club dedicated to promoting positive mental health is inviting new players to join Covid-safe coaching sessions made possible by the Grenfell Projects Fund (GPF).
Anyone from Kensington and Chelsea aged 18 and over with mental health issues is welcome to join Minds United FC’s FA-qualified coaches for the Community Football For All training, which takes place from 3pm to 4:30pm every Tuesday at the Westway Sports Centre.
The sessions have been introduced after Minds United was selected by members of the North Kensington community to receive GPF funding at a decision day held earlier this year.
Minds United’s Head Coach and founder Tarik Kaidi, who was recently named Adults Grassroots Coach of the Year by Middlesex FA, encouraged new players to get involved and said that the training allows participants to engage in the ‘five ways to wellbeing’ – connecting with other people, being physically active, learning new skills, giving to others and paying attention to the present moment.
He added: “Playing football improves the social, mental, physical and emotional elements of wellbeing and we have supported many adults during their recovery from St Charles Mental Health Unit, as well as those in the community, over the past 15 months.”
The Community Football For All training is just the latest in a string of initiatives rolled out by Minds United FC this year. During lockdown, the FA Charter Standard club used the internet to deliver online football respect and leadership courses as part of the Council's Community Leadership Programme.
The club holds weekly Connecting the Community sessions in partnership with London FA, Golborne Community Champions and the Venture Centre for adults with mental health issues from across London and has also introduced running, cycling and table tennis sessions.
You can hear about Minds United FC's progress at the first Grenfell Projects Fund online presentation, which takes place from 6:30pm to 7:45pm on Tuesday 27 October. Visit the Grenfell Projects Fund page for full details.
For more information about Minds United FC, visit the club's website or search Minds United FC on social media.