Wirral Wise Guys played two charity matches at Marine’s Travel Arena on Sunday, in a fundraising event all about promoting men’s mental health.

Wirral Wise Guys has been promoting men’s wellbeing since it launched in 2024 and runs free weekly football therapy sessions on Merseyside.

The Wise Guys lost back-to-back games 10-1 to Rainbow Toffees and Magenta Living at an event hosted by Marine AFC.

Despite the result, founder James Sheldon, believes the day was a positive experience for all those involved.

Building a network of support

Mr Sheldon said: “It doesn’t matter about the result, it’s just about enjoying the day and supporting everyone with mental health problems.

“The excitement that it’s brought to all the guys over the last few months has been brilliant to see.

“We started Wirral Wise Guys in February last year, and I don’t think we expected it to get to the level it’s got to so quick!”

Just 15 men took part in the first football therapy session run by the charity, but Wirral Wise Guys has now helped over 80 men with mental health problems, with half of those men now regular attendees.

In total, 36 men took part in the two charity games at Marine, with over 100 friends and family watching on from the stands.

Mr Sheldon continued: “It’s just nice to see the change in people who come along.

“Twelve months ago, they didn’t know any of the people involved.

“Now, they’ve got to know everyone, they’ve got friends and, if they’re feeling down or there’s a problem, they’ve got people to speak to.

“I think that’s what it’s all about.”

“A lifesaver”

One of those people is Sam Roberts who said he has struggled with his mental health problems in the past.

Despite being nervous of attending the first session last year, Mr Roberts says the charity has been a “lifesaver”.

Mr Roberts said: “I turned up at the first football therapy session and I didn’t know anybody on the night.

“I was debating whether to go. It’s quite daunting to try and turn up somewhere where you know you’re not going to know anybody.

“But from ten minutes of being there, I thought, ‘This is where I want to be’.

“After the second session, my wife turned round’ to me and said, ‘You’re always buzzing when you get back from these Monday night games. You always have a big smile on your face, and it takes you hours to get to sleep’.

“And it’s true! I didn’t get to sleep till about two in the morning because I’d come back, and I’d have had such a good time and it’s such a relaxed atmosphere.”

Sam is no Messi! But connections invaluable

But it’s not just Sam who recognises the impact that the charity has made on his life.

His mother, Lynne, who travelled all the way from Devon to watch her son play at Marine, said: “The impact it’s made on Sam has been immense.”

“There’s been some really difficult times. But since he’s been playing football with Wirral Wise Guys, it’s just made such a huge difference.

“He knows he’s not the best football. He knows he’ll never be a Ronaldo or a Messi!

“But he knows that what he gets from playing football with this other group of guys is invaluable.

“You just can’t get it anywhere else.”

Wirral Wise Guys hopes the event is the first of many as they continue their mission of using football to improve men’s mental health on Merseyside.

If you would like to find out more about the charity, or seek support, click here for Wirral Wise Guys’ website.

(Featured Image by Jack Burgess)