The football tournament was held for participants that have a mental illness and was organised to coincide with Mental Health Week. Hardly Athletic (Pictured) from Sheffield Mind beat off very strong competition to win the tournament.
Sheffield Wednesday players, Charlie Tunnard, Callum Harrison and Max Wragg made a special appearance to present the trophies and medals to the winners and runners up.
Sheffield & Hallamshire FA worked in partnership with Activity Sheffield and Sheffield Mind to provide its expert support and advice in organising the tournament along with arranging the referees and other officials. They also provided magazines and gifts to all participants.
Christopher Bly, Senior Football Development Officer from Sheffield & Hallamshire FA said “The power of football as a means for providing a key role in the rehabilitation programme for people with a mental illness is increasingly being recognised by both the medical profession and the wider football community.
Events such as the Minds over Football Tournament provide a competitive focus for groups that use football as part of their rehabilitation programme. Sheffield & Hallamshire FA are proud to support such events, the mental and physical health benefits of which cannot be underestimated.”
Angie Gaughan, Tournament Organiser from Activity Sheffield said “Everyone involved with the event was extremely please with how it went, and it was great to see so many new teams taking part. There is no other event like this in the area, and it is very rewarding to see so many mental health service users engaged in an afternoon of activity.
It is hoped that the event and the programme will continue to grow and offer further sporting opportunities to Adults with mental health issues. The Minds over Football Partnership is testament to how great organisation working together can be.
Visit the Development Section for disability football at SheffieldFA.com by clicking here