A newly formed football team is coming to Glasgow’s west end this summer... But MH United aren’t your usual Sunday league fare.
The team, which will play in the Sunday Central AFL league, is aimed at men suffering with mental health issues and aims to get those feeling isolated, out in their community and active.
Team captain Ruairidh Patrick said: “The aim is to get men out of the house, get them to exercise. There are many cases where they’re too anxious to try out for a normal team and they feel they won’t fit in. We’re opening the door and letting them get some exercise back in their life.”
“I know people that have suffered from poor mental health, I have myself and that isolation is terrible, you don’t want to talk about it, it’s like a mans man thing. You’re not allowed to suffer, so you’ve got to suffer in silence,” he added.
The team is searching for players for the 2019-2020 season to bolster their ranks. Not that they’re short of players at the moment, the current 11 played their first game on Sunday and recorded a 4-2 win against Southside Star AFC.
The drive to recruit more players seems to be more about spreading the word that it’s okay to talk about men’s mental health.
Patrick said: “It’s an open door policy, all religions, colours, sexualities are all welcome. We respect each other’s personal beliefs, no matter what they are. It’s all left at the door when you come in for training.”
MH United lead an active social life off the pitch too. On 14 July they’ll be ascending Ben Vorlich to raise money for the development of their team. The target is £250 with any surplus going to local mental health charities.
Training is on Wednesdays at 7pm and is free to attend for the summer months, whilst it is held in Victoria Park. Thereafter it will be at Scotstoun Leisure Centre on Wednesdays at 7pm.
Patrick said: "It doesn’t matter about your level, it’s not about that, all are welcome. So get out of the house and become part of the club. There are also coaching positions available for those that don’t fancy playing.”
Check out MH United's Facebook page for more info.
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