An Oldham based project, supported by Oldham Athletic Community Trust (OACT), has been proudly nominated for the upcoming Oldham Sports Awards.
Mental Health Football (MHF) is a weekly project, providing free football at Oldham Futsal Arena every Friday from 7-8pm.
MHF was founded by first team managers Ross Elliott and Andy Steel, with the help and support of Oldham Athletic Community Trust. MHF is pressure free, with no expectations, no scoreline, no winners or losers just players, open to men and women with no sign up or referrals, it is casual and free to come and go as you please.
The aim is to help improve people's mental health using physical activity, in a friendly, easy going atmosphere where fun and enjoyment are the focus.
Ross Elliott, MHF co-founder commented: “I’m so proud that MHF has been nominated for the Community Initiative Award. Even in the short time we’ve been running the sessions you can notice the difference it is making to our attendees. Playing football got me through some difficult times and I’m so happy it’s helping others too.”
Andy Steel, MHF co-founder added: “MHF being nominated is something I’m incredibly proud of, when we had the idea we had no clue how it was going to be received. The support we’ve had is overwhelming, though, especially from the OACT, without whom we couldn’t have got started. I’ve noticed a difference in myself since we started this, while I still have bad days and stints, knowing I have this hour always gives me something to look forward to.”
Martin Vose, OACT Head Of Community, summarised: “I am delighted for Ross, Andy and the MHF as a project to be nominated for such an award. Countless hours of voluntary work has gone into the project to make it a success, those who participate do so without any stigma or pressure. We as a Community Trust were honoured to support the project during it’s infancy and I am immensely proud to be part of the MHF journey.”