Skip to main content | Skip to section menu | Access keys.

Clackmannanshire Council Online

New 5-a-side Football to Support Mental Wellbeing

Published on:

28

August 2017

The physical benefits of playing 5-a-side are well documented, but what is less known is the fantastic mental health benefits a weekly game can give you. Not only are you going to get a cardio blast, but also boost your mood, decrease stress and increase happiness.

The Council is launching a new 5-a-side football opportunity specifically aimed at supporting mental wellbeing. The idea is to provide a regular exercise opportunity for people in the area suffering from mental wellbeing issues or loneliness and help them socialise and discuss any issues affecting them.

The idea behind the new activity came from local resident Paul MacKintosh and Clackmannanshire Council's sports development team, and Clackmannanshire Healthier Lives were delighted to support the idea.

Thanks to the support of the two organisations the first four weeks of 5-a-side will be available at no charge to participants.

Paul MacKintosh said: "This is a great resource for anyone looking to improve their mental wellbeing or making new friends and enjoying a game of football. There will also be the chance to discuss any problems or issues that people might have and I will try and help in any way I can. I would like to thank Clackmannanshire Council and Clackmannanshire Healthier Lives for the help and support they have provided in setting this up."

The football will take place on Tuesday 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th September 2017 from 8pm to 9pm in Alva Academy games hall. No need to book, just turn up.