01/02/2026
When things get on top of you and life feels heavy, it’s so important to take stock, pause, and look back at all you’ve achieved – because progress often isn’t what we see in the moment, but what we build step by step.
Today marks 9 months since applying to become a CIC and seemed a poignant point to reflect on how far we’ve come since we began this journey, not with the aim of creating something traditional, but to build a safe, supportive space where connection is the starting point for talking about mental health and finding the support we all need sometimes, using football as the supportive opportunity.
From day one, this work has been about opening doors, raising awareness, and making sure anyone who reaches out feels welcomed, supported and not alone – especially when it feels like everything is piling up.
When we look back at what we’ve built together with an incredible community of people, what started as a small way to bring folks together has grown into so much more than we could have imagined:
Reflecting on our journey since becoming a CIC in June 2025, rooted in knowing how many of us need a place to turn when mental health feels overwhelming, we are extremely thankful and grateful for what’s been built!
• Grown from 1 weekly session with 8–20 people to 3 regularly fully booked sessions, supporting up to 100 of us each week
• Over 170 people connected with us, coming from Stoke-on-Trent, Cheshire, Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Shropshire – of all ages, backgrounds, abilities and life experiences
• 75 sessions held, with 1,498 participant spaces filled – each one a moment to pause, talk, and remember we’re not alone
• Built partnerships with 15 local groups and 30+ local and national organisations who believe in the power of community to support mental health
• Supported by 9 ambassadors who understand how vital it is to break the stigma: Chris Birchall, Carl Dickinson, Martin Paterson, David Hibbert, Dan Turner, Matthew Hazley, Debbie Quaile, Lee Parkinson OBE (ICT with Mr P) and Shaheen Myers
• Secured funding from Sport England & National Lottery, making sure our support is accessible to anyone who needs it
• Gained shirt sponsorship from Arnold Clark, helping us to prepare for charity matches
• Launched a club shop with Epic Kits, turning football shirts into a way to start conversations about mental health
• Raised £1,500+ for local mental health charities, extending the support we can offer
• created links and support with Man Time, North Staffs Mind, Andys Man Club Stoke-on-Trent, Men Rebuilding Men and The Stoke Blokes helping people find specialist support when they need it
• Delivered parent & child session with Stoke City Foundation, focusing on parental mental health and building strong, supportive family bonds – fully booked twice over with 60 attendees, with more planned.
• Hosted social events away from our usual gatherings, cutting through isolation and making friendships that last - thanks to KIX FC and Jaflong curry Hanley
• Shared our stories on 6 Towns Radio, BBC Stoke & Staffordshire and Stoke Nub News, helping more people know they’re not the only ones who face metal health struggles
• most importantly we’ve built lifelong friendships and a supportive community for all
But more than any number or achievement, what truly matters is this: people showing up, checking in on one another, building friendships, and knowing they have a place where they belong. We are extremely grateful!
This isn’t just about bringing people together for a kickabout – it’s about community. It’s about connection. And it’s about reminding each of us that when things feel too much, support is always closer than we think.
Thank you to every single person who has been part of this journey – because every step forward we take, we take together to build a supportive community that welcomes all.
If anyone would like to find out more or needs support please reach out
