Left Field FC have teamed up with local mental health charity, Norfolk and Waveney Mind to help raise awareness of the benefits of physical activity and mental health.
Left Field FC is a fully affiliated FA football club founded by friends and football fans, Fiona Burrage and Monica Cass. Actively competing in the NWGFL 7-a-side league, the club promotes participation for all – welcoming men and women for a laugh, a stretch, a kick and, occasionally, a socially-distanced pint.
Fiona Burrage, co-founder of the club said: “Left Field was setup by Monica and I who both work in the creative industries and like many others it’s been a real juggling act during lockdown. Left Field was created as a chance to exercise together, escape the routine and make new friends. The name was inspired by how we like to think differently and we wanted to create a community of likeminded individuals. Training each week really is my highlight.”
Tara O'Sullivan, Left Field FC player said: “Being part of Left Field these past few months has been one of the best things to come out of 2021 for me. Despite being in a pandemic, it has given me something to look forward to each week which has been amazing not just for my physical health but my mental health too. I was nervous to begin with because I’ve never properly played football before but everyone was so supportive and encouraging and have made me feel so welcome. Not only have I gained confidence in my football abilities since joining left field, but I have gained a new fantastic group of friends”
Alex Page, team player added, “I hadn’t played football for over 20 years, so was understandably quite anxious, but desperate to get back into team sports.
Left Field has been the perfect place to gain confidence and, aside from the obvious physical benefits, the friendships made (especially during a pandemic where every other human engagement was now virtual!) the feeling of being part of this wonderful collective, and also setting aside some ME time has been essential.
When you have young children at home it is easy to forget to focus on yourself. Knowing every week that I have these sessions coming up has been hugely motivating and given me something to really look forward to.”
Alex Wiseman, Partnerships Coordinator at Mind, Norfolk and Waveney Mind said: “We’re delighted to be working with Left Field FC to raise awareness of the benefits of physical activity on mental health. Team sports like this provide a great opportunity for players to come together. They provide opportunities for teams to train together, to build a sense of community and forge friendships and bonds that last long way beyond the pitch.”
To find out more about Mind, Norfolk and Waveney visit www.norfolkandwaveneymind.org.uk
To find out more about Left Field FC visit www.leftfield.football