Creative Football

Who are we?

Creative Football CIC are a small team of mental health practitioners who have over 25 years combined experience of working in Health & Social Care. The team understand and demonstrate the power of social connections through being more active, which improves overall wellbeing and importantly plays a vital role in helping people reduce the symptoms of their condition.

Creative Football began during the height of the Covid Pandemic working throughout the various lockdowns and restrictions. It wasn't how we'd planned it (!) but we readjusted to provide 1:1 support using football drills, bike rides and walks for fitness as well as providing outreach work that included emotional support, shopping and collecting prescriptions. This was the core work that would align ourselves with Sport England's 'Active Together' Fund that focus's on recovery, re-invention and building resilience. That period allowed us to build strong relationships with the community and since then we have become inundated with new participants and organisations wanting to be more active and also feel a sense of unity within their community.

The team of four staff now work with over 70 volunteers to welcome adults of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, including those with disabilities to have an informal kick-about. Creative Football has adapted its service, delivering 12 sessions across four areas and supporting over 350 participants on a weekly basis.

Check out our Website to find out more!

Why are we crowdfunding?

For many football is more than just a game, it brings a spirit of community and camaraderie that touches the lives of those that enjoy the beautiful game.

Bringing that spirit to life we have launched numerous sessions to give people with Mental Health, Addictions, Learning Differences, Parkinson's Disease and other long-term health conditions an opportunity to socialise, get active and play the sport they love at a pace to suit them.

We have been taken aback by the number of participants attending and the social networks and support that have been created during an initial pilot period that is now coming to an end. These sessions have become a lifeline for so many in a short space of time.

How we’ll spend the money raised

Funding will cover the cost of facility hire, equipment and refreshments through out all of our projects for a further year to help us offer holistic support and help establish the groups as a sustainable and vital community resource.

Pitch hire for all our sessions throughout the year comes in at around £14,362. This includes all our daytime sessions at Witton 3G and evening sessions in Blackburn, Darwen and Langho along with our monthly Academy League.

Facilitating 9 sessions per week over 52 weeks of the year means equipment is always in demand. We estimate, based on previous years, that we require 100 footballs (Mitre) over a 12 month period which equates to around £960.

Peer support and volunteering is the heartbeat of our project and £800 would enable us to purchase 20 Joma kits + Jackets (Session branded) for our volunteers.

Our office rent based at Witton 3G is £10,000 per annum. £2,800 of this is allocated to our specific sessions which allows us to provide our participants with social time and 1:1 support when needed. Refreshments (Hot / cold drinks and food e.g. pizza, wraps etc.) provided for participants comes in at around £1,040 per annum.

Match funding from the 'Active Together' Fund will enable us to put on extra sessions as demand increases for accessible activity and support in increasingly difficult times. 

Community impact

We believe that the current Social Care support offer for people should and can be better by recognising that clinical intervention alone is not enough for anyone. Football allows us to do the simple things that can make a big difference whilst complimenting the work of other interventions.

Regardless of the reason someone needs our support, we create an inclusive environment that is safe, fun, therapeutic and where everyone shares an ethos of respect, empathy and feels valued.

This approach creates a diverse network of support and friendships that many people haven’t experienced before. For some it’s the first time they are recognised for who they actually are rather than by their diagnosis. That is life-changing.

Why it really matters

“Blokes United gave us a platform to enjoy our football and play with people who just wanted to feel the benefits of football on their mental  health. From that, we were able to meet some really top people, who we recently started a football club with. The Beehive FC is a product of the amazing work Wayne and the team are putting in, to allow us to play with freedom and enjoy ourselves on a Thursday night. We’re really proud of what we’ve been able to achieve so far with Beehive, and hopefully, the club continues to grow during the upcoming season. Thanks to everyone at Blokes United for introducing us to each other⚽️” - Ben

“Creative football was and has been essential to me in the short time I have been part of the family. When there was no purpose in life to get out of bed creative football was my purpose. I call it a ‘family’ because that is what it is. The first day you come down they take you under their wings and you become their family. No matter your background or story you become one with them. The family are amazing and you have endless of laughter too. They are amazing and I am forever in their debt with the help and guidance they have given me. I will continue to come down and support the family forever. Throughout lockdown, there where no gyms open and I couldn’t go to work. This was the place to go . They  have been amazing with their sessions they have developed me with my football as well as helping me keep my sanity. I will encourage anyone with any ability to come down and give it ago I promise you you’ll never regret it!" - Jess

How you can play your part

There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.

1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!

2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.

3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!

4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!