Cov Uni staff create new mental health football team

A COVENTRY university staff member is helping people improve their mental health by setting up a new football team.

Sean Davies, who has dealt with issues such as pain in recent years, was inspired to create Stay Strong United – giving people the opportunity to be active and talk about how they feel with others.

Sean said: “I decided to set up this mental health football team to support myself and others to get out there and use football as a foundation to improve their mental health.

“You have a platform to go play football, make some friends, talk openly about how your week was and talk about mental health, knowing that it’s a safe environment.

“The number of responses and people saying, ‘I can’t wait to join and have something that’s a safe space’ has been incredible.

“It’s something I’ve taken a lot of pride in – I can look back and say I’m making a difference and helping people in Coventry and Warwickshire.”

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The group is open to anyone over the age of 18 and of any football ability.

The club sessions are held at Christ the King FC in Coventry and Stay Strong United will take part in a festival hosted by the West Midlands Mental Health League on June 26, which also involves the Sky Blues in the community.

An 11-a-side fixture is also set for July 14 against Solihull MANvFAT.

Sean’s colleague Bright Omenogor said: “The moment I saw him, he was very beautiful.

“I spoke to Sean and got the full narrative of what it’s all about and here I am.

“We’re trying to share things about mental health because the suicide rate these days isn’t great.

“If something bothers you, talk to someone about it. But people tend not to talk… I am one of those people.

“Any way we can help as people, as human beings, I’m absolutely down for it … and I love football.

“So football and mental health…let’s see how far we can go.”