Sevenoaks Town launch Friday night wellbeing sessions at Greatness Park

SEVENOAKS TOWN chairman Paul Lansdale has launched Wellbeing sessions for adults at its home at Greatness Park.

These free-of-charge five-a-side football sessions will take place from 19:00 each and every Friday from 25 February on the 3G pitch and are tailored for those experiencing mental health challenges.

Participants over the age of 18 with mental health problems or issues, are warmly welcome at these sessions, no questions asked. This football provision aims to provide a space where players can disconnect from their thoughts and simply enjoy the benefits of football. 

From the physical activity perks to meeting friendly people, getting some fresh air and being out and about, these are just a few of the many reasons why individuals are encouraged to sign up to the free, mixed gender sessions.

“I am really pleased to be able to begin these sessions at Greatness Park,” said Lansdale in a statement.

“After a few difficult years, the benefits of playing football and being active have never been clearer.  Football is a powerful tool and we want to introduce this football experience to help those in our local community.

“Anyone who signs up can trust they’ll be warmly welcomed in a safe place, which we hope will become one they look forward to visiting regularly.  There is no pressure applied whilst our aspiration is to expand upon the social elements of the football training, as the sessions build.  

“Football can serve as a means of breaking down barriers and stigma around mental health. By adding these sessions to our weekly provision of football, we will support our community and be able to welcome even more faces to Greatness Park.” 

Matthew Bromley, Sevenoaks’ Social Prescriber, added: “The aim of Sevenoaks Town Wellbeing Football is to help reduce social isolation and promote mental and physical wellbeing. Football has incredible social benefits for people. It is an opportunity to meet new people, to be part of a group, and to rekindle a sense of camaraderie within a team environment.

“Team sport builds confidence, develops friendships, and encourages social opportunities away from the football pitch. Most of our sessions are followed by a visit to the club house which gives everyone an opportunity to foster relationships off the field.

“I founded a similar project in 2014 to help people with mental health challenges to have a release from their thoughts and stresses by using football. I have found over the 20 plus years of coaching and playing sport that it has helped me manage my mental health more times than I can count and at times stopped me going into crisis.

“In addition to the many benefits of being physically active, it has opened my eyes to understanding that I will always have my mental/physical health challenges but I have the ability to manage them. Sport is a fantastic way of me do this and this is my main driver to deliver this fabulous project with Sevenoaks Town FC.”

For more details of the project being run by the Isthmian League South East Division club – playing in the eighth-tier of English football – click on this link.