Finding an opportunity through football

Exeter City Community Trust’s Opportunity Club is a project which uses football and activity to engage people who may be vulnerable, struggling with complex mental health issues, or in recovery from addiction. 

The sessions take place at Riverside Leisure Centre every Tuesday lunchtime, when teams of players take part in football matches. 

The groups recently competed in a tournament to mark May’s Mental Health Awareness Month, in collaboration with Argyle Community Trust and the Devon FA. 

Danny Harris, head of wellbeing and inclusion at Exeter City Community Trust, said the tournament had been a great success. “It was fantastic to be able to stage this event, where we had players representing both Exeter and Plymouth. The teams really enjoyed the day. We see all the time how activities like this benefit them in so many ways, whether that is through the structure and discipline of a game of football, or the benefits of exercise. 

“We’re fortunate to receive support from HSBC, which enables us to stage these sessions and it’s great to work with partners like the Amber Foundation and the YMCA to deliver then for their clients.” 

He added: “At Exeter City Community Trust we are dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of people from all walks of life, across Greater Exeter. This can range from activities for the hardest to reach members of the community, to sessions in schools or for older people, or our many running events.” 

Mark Lenihan was one of the participants, he said: “I do suffer from anxiety and when I come here, after an hour of running about, scoring and saving goals, I feel clear-headed and that’s good.” 

Tom Stevens, of the Amber Foundation, a charity which supports homeless and unemployed young people to turn their lives around, joined the players during the session. He said: “We have a range of young people with lots of complex needs, something like this is really beneficial for their wellbeing…a chance for physical exercise, teamwork, and an opportunity for some healthy competition is so good, I can’t emphasise enough how beneficial this is.” 

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