A an all new Merseyside football team featuring mental health sufferers play their first match this weekend, following a successful launch of active training sessions.
Fazakerley Rangers, are set to take on Merseyside Inclusions XI in a friendly at Walton Hall Park.
Our very first ever match is a friendly on Sunday 26th March at Walton Hall Park 3G at 1pm.
We will be playing @11sInclusion
Looking forward to it.#ActiveThroughFootball@ATF_Liverpool @Liverpool_CFA pic.twitter.com/LXEULDS6oN— Fazakerley Rangers A.T.F (@FazRangersATF) March 20, 2023
The side, born out of one of the sessions run by the Active Through Football campaign in Liverpool, are aiming to tackle men’s mental health head-on. Through football the aim is to get men active while also opening up conversations to discuss more serious issues.
The playing sessions began with a few 5-a-side games, but the success of the campaign has led to the members deciding to push for the development of an 11-a-side team with the hope of moving into the Liverpool league for the upcoming season this August.
Application forms are available with kits, it’s hoped performances on the pitch can help focus on mental health off it.
Active Through Football runs across the Merseyside region but sufferers do not have to be into football to take advantage. Other sessions include yoga, bingo and family fun days, to promote health, wellbeing and inclusivity.
The campaign is funded by Sport England to encourage fitness and hobbies, and the scheme is available across Merseyside, with seven main hubs, including at Runcorn, St Helens, Netherton and Fazakerley.
We spoke to the new Manager of Fazakerley Rangers, Tony Fitzpatrick along with the campaign manager of Active Through Football, Richard Jones, to get their insights on Liverpool’s newest side.
