{"id":471702,"url":"\/kitunlocker-kick-start-fc\/","layout":"standard","version":"2025-07-03T08:40:37.000000Z","blocks":[{"id":4463237,"type":"banner","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":0,"items":[],"properties":{"type":{"id":108617667,"value":"slim"},"title":{"id":108617668,"value":"Kitunlocker: Kick Start FC"},"copy":{"id":108617669,"value":null},"titleColor":{"id":108617670,"value":"#000000"},"titleBackground":{"id":108617671,"value":"#FFFFFFFF"},"copyColor":{"id":108617672,"value":"#{banner.copy.color}"},"copyBackground":{"id":108617673,"value":"#{banner.copy.background.color}"},"contentWidth":{"id":108617674,"value":"95%"},"textShadow":{"id":108617675,"value":"#{banner.text.shadow}"},"borderRadius":{"id":108617676,"value":"0px"},"buttonBorderRadius":{"id":108617677,"value":"#{button.border.radius}"},"buttonBackgroundColor":{"id":108617678,"value":"#{button.primary.color}"},"buttonStyle":{"id":108617679,"value":"secondary"},"buttonSize":{"id":108617680,"value":"standard"},"overlayOpacity":{"id":108617681,"value":"0.15"},"overlayColourStart":{"id":108617682,"value":"#000000"},"overlayColourEnd":{"id":108617683,"value":"#000000"},"overlayDirection":{"id":108617684,"value":"90"},"image":{"id":108617685,"value":"{\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/images.podos.io\\\/zx9g1rqixt69zpabls3w4lgnj7silybgqs0airvfvpeajzdh.jpeg.jpg?w=auto&h=auto\",\"alt\":\"\"}"},"video":{"id":108617686,"value":null},"videoThumbnail":{"id":108617687,"value":null},"media":{"id":108617688,"value":"image"},"align":{"id":108617689,"value":"center"},"verticalAlignment":{"id":108617690,"value":"center"},"font":{"id":108617691,"value":"#{heading1.font}"},"actions":{"id":108617692,"value":"[{\"text\":\"\",\"href\":\"\"},{\"text\":\"\",\"href\":\"\"}]"},"template":{"id":108617693,"value":"banner"},"padding":{"id":108617694,"value":"6"},"fullWidth":{"id":108617695,"value":"1"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":108617696,"value":"#{banner.fullBackground.color}"},"published":{"id":108617697,"value":"1"},"conditions":{"id":108617698,"value":"[]"}}},{"id":4463238,"type":"textBlock","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":1,"items":[],"properties":{"html":{"id":108617699,"value":"

We always knew that there were some incredible clubs and organisations operating within grassroots sport. When we started <\/strong>Kitunlocker<\/u><\/strong><\/a>, the aim was to shine a light on some of those which make an impact on people\u2019s lives, not only on the pitch but off it too.<\/strong><\/p>

After supplying grassroots sport for nearly 20 years our expectations were always high, but we\u2019ve been truly blown away by some of the clubs and individuals that we\u2019ve spoken to so far. Meeting those who go way above and beyond their remit to make a difference to others has only further strengthened our passion for what we do. Our next featured club is no different.<\/p>

Introducing Kick Start FC<\/u><\/a>, a football-based mental health charity from Wiltshire. We chatted to trustee Michael Cunningham about how it got started, the impact it\u2019s had, the importance of the right kit, and everything else in between.<\/p>"},"borderRadius":{"id":108617700,"value":"#{text.border.radius}"},"textColor":{"id":108617701,"value":"#{text.color}"},"backgroundColour":{"id":108617702,"value":"#0000"},"truncateHeight":{"id":108617703,"value":null},"template":{"id":108617704,"value":"text"},"padding":{"id":108617705,"value":"6"},"fullWidth":{"id":108617706,"value":"0"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":108617707,"value":"#{text.fullBackground.color}"},"published":{"id":108617708,"value":"1"},"conditions":{"id":108617709,"value":"[]"}}},{"id":4463239,"type":"row","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":2,"items":[{"id":4463240,"type":"pod","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":0,"items":[],"properties":{"title":{"id":108617723,"value":null},"copy":{"id":108617724,"value":null},"media":{"id":108617725,"value":"image"},"image":{"id":108617726,"value":"{\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/images.podos.io\\\/r6mlvogz49ajsgevttgayfvh5aqn5jfghckla4vzvsrov11h.jpeg.jpg?w=auto&h=auto\",\"alt\":\"\"}"},"video":{"id":108617727,"value":null},"autoplayInBackground":{"id":108617728,"value":"1"},"titleSize":{"id":108617729,"value":"1"},"overlay":{"id":108617730,"value":"1"},"href":{"id":108617731,"value":null},"borderRadius":{"id":108617732,"value":"#{image.border.radius}"},"overlayOpacity":{"id":108617733,"value":"0"},"overlayColors":{"id":108617734,"value":null},"overlayDirection":{"id":108617735,"value":"90"},"template":{"id":108617736,"value":"pod"},"padding":{"id":108617737,"value":"6"},"fullWidth":{"id":108617738,"value":"0"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":108617739,"value":"#fff0"},"published":{"id":108617740,"value":"1"},"conditions":{"id":108617741,"value":"[]"},"ratio":{"id":108617742,"value":"short"}}},{"id":4463241,"type":"textBlock","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":1,"items":[],"properties":{"padding":{"id":108617743,"value":"2"},"html":{"id":108617744,"value":"

Tell us about what Kick Start FC is, and how\/why it was formed\u2026<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>

\u201cKick Start FC is a mental health charity that uses football as a tool to help men, women, and teenagers manage symptoms of mental health problems and reduce social isolation. We host weekly football therapy sessions, free of charge, that encourage people to \u201ckick start\u201d their journey to recovery and engage in activities that focus on \u2018tackling the mind\u2019.<\/p>

\u201cThe idea of Kick Start FC stemmed from my own personal experiences with mental health. For years I had battled with intense mood swings. Every time I reached out for support, I remained in a continuous cycle of seeing a GP, being supplied medication, and left to my own devices. In 2019 I had reached a point where I had hit my lowest, and I just couldn\u2019t see a way out. Thankfully I had a fantastic support network in my family and close friends to help me through it. It was at this point that I knew that if I wanted to recover, I had to find my own way of doing it.<\/p>

\u201cFootball was always my outlet and after completing some research I was able to identify how football had been supporting my mental health. The sport offered physical activity, helped build relationships, offered a sense of achievement, and helped me stay grounded \u2013 all essential ingredients for maintaining positive mental wellbeing.\u201d<\/p>

What impact do you think the pandemic and the prolonged absence of team sport had?<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>

\u201cIn February 2020, I held the first ever football therapy session with two people in attendance \u2013 both of which left after just five minutes. We were slowly building a group of 5-7 players over the next few weeks but then we were placed into lockdown the following month. During this period, conversations surrounding mental health began to surface. People were beginning to realise the importance of being outdoors and socialising with our friends and family. Due to the lack of physical activity and socialising, people began to experience loneliness and low moods.<\/p>

\u201cOnce the final lockdown restrictions were over, those who were involved with sporting activities understood what value it offered to their wellbeing, and those who struggled with isolation were encouraged to register to a sports team or community group.\u201d<\/p>"},"textColor":{"id":108617745,"value":"#{feature.text.color}"}}}],"properties":{"direction":{"id":108617710,"value":"column"},"icon":{"id":108617711,"value":null},"title":{"id":108617712,"value":null},"textColor":{"id":108617713,"value":"#{feature.text.color}"},"backgroundColor":{"id":108617714,"value":"#{feature.background.color}"},"buttonText":{"id":108617715,"value":null},"copy":{"id":108617716,"value":"

Tell us about what Kick Start FC is, and how\/why it was formed\u2026<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>

\u201cKick Start FC is a mental health charity that uses football as a tool to help men, women, and teenagers manage symptoms of mental health problems and reduce social isolation. We host weekly football therapy sessions, free of charge, that encourage people to \u201ckick start\u201d their journey to recovery and engage in activities that focus on \u2018tackling the mind\u2019.<\/p>

\u201cThe idea of Kick Start FC stemmed from my own personal experiences with mental health. For years I had battled with intense mood swings. Every time I reached out for support, I remained in a continuous cycle of seeing a GP, being supplied medication, and left to my own devices. In 2019 I had reached a point where I had hit my lowest, and I just couldn\u2019t see a way out. Thankfully I had a fantastic support network in my family and close friends to help me through it. It was at this point that I knew that if I wanted to recover, I had to find my own way of doing it.<\/p>

\u201cFootball was always my outlet and after completing some research I was able to identify how football had been supporting my mental health. The sport offered physical activity, helped build relationships, offered a sense of achievement, and helped me stay grounded \u2013 all essential ingredients for maintaining positive mental wellbeing.\u201d<\/p>

What impact do you think the pandemic and the prolonged absence of team sport had?<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>

\u201cIn February 2020, I held the first ever football therapy session with two people in attendance \u2013 both of which left after just five minutes. We were slowly building a group of 5-7 players over the next few weeks but then we were placed into lockdown the following month. During this period, conversations surrounding mental health began to surface. People were beginning to realise the importance of being outdoors and socialising with our friends and family. Due to the lack of physical activity and socialising, people began to experience loneliness and low moods.<\/p>

\u201cOnce the final lockdown restrictions were over, those who were involved with sporting activities understood what value it offered to their wellbeing, and those who struggled with isolation were encouraged to register to a sports team or community group.\u201d<\/p>"},"template":{"id":108617717,"value":"feature"},"padding":{"id":108617718,"value":"6"},"fullWidth":{"id":108617719,"value":"0"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":108617720,"value":"#{feature.fullBackground.color}"},"published":{"id":108617721,"value":"1"},"conditions":{"id":108617722,"value":"[]"}}},{"id":4463242,"type":"row","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":4,"items":[{"id":4463243,"type":"grid","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":0,"items":[{"id":4463244,"type":"pod","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":0,"items":[],"properties":{"title":{"id":108617762,"value":null},"copy":{"id":108617763,"value":null},"media":{"id":108617764,"value":"image"},"image":{"id":108617765,"value":"{\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/images.podos.io\\\/2ve00eu0teexe2mmiv6ogkzuqts0qwweyfilfez6i8laanwd.jpeg.jpg?w=auto&h=auto\",\"alt\":\"\"}"},"video":{"id":108617766,"value":null},"autoplayInBackground":{"id":108617767,"value":"1"},"titleSize":{"id":108617768,"value":"1"},"overlay":{"id":108617769,"value":"1"},"href":{"id":108617770,"value":null},"borderRadius":{"id":108617771,"value":"#{image.border.radius}"},"overlayOpacity":{"id":108617772,"value":"0"},"overlayColors":{"id":108617773,"value":null},"overlayDirection":{"id":108617774,"value":"90"},"template":{"id":108617775,"value":"pod"},"padding":{"id":108617776,"value":"6"},"fullWidth":{"id":108617777,"value":"0"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":108617778,"value":"#fff0"},"published":{"id":108617779,"value":"1"},"conditions":{"id":108617780,"value":"[]"},"ratio":{"id":108617781,"value":"square"}}},{"id":4463245,"type":"pod","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":1,"items":[],"properties":{"title":{"id":108617782,"value":null},"copy":{"id":108617783,"value":null},"media":{"id":108617784,"value":"image"},"image":{"id":108617785,"value":"{\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/images.podos.io\\\/zsikcluevpz5roof0exhobsytplyy4w1w6wdpqg1cgcbjfy2.jpeg.jpg?w=auto&h=auto\",\"alt\":\"\"}"},"video":{"id":108617786,"value":null},"autoplayInBackground":{"id":108617787,"value":"1"},"titleSize":{"id":108617788,"value":"1"},"overlay":{"id":108617789,"value":"1"},"href":{"id":108617790,"value":null},"borderRadius":{"id":108617791,"value":"#{image.border.radius}"},"overlayOpacity":{"id":108617792,"value":"0"},"overlayColors":{"id":108617793,"value":null},"overlayDirection":{"id":108617794,"value":"90"},"template":{"id":108617795,"value":"pod"},"padding":{"id":108617796,"value":"6"},"fullWidth":{"id":108617797,"value":"0"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":108617798,"value":"#fff0"},"published":{"id":108617799,"value":"1"},"conditions":{"id":108617800,"value":"[]"},"ratio":{"id":108617801,"value":"square"}}}],"properties":{"breakpoints":{"id":108617759,"value":"{\"xs\":2}"},"padding":{"id":108617760,"value":"2"},"spacing":{"id":108617761,"value":null}}},{"id":4463246,"type":"textBlock","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":1,"items":[],"properties":{"padding":{"id":108617802,"value":"2"},"html":{"id":108617803,"value":"

How many people do you currently have coming to the sessions?<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>

\u201cWe currently operate Football Therapy sessions for Men, Women, Youth and we have a Mixed-Gender Walking Football Therapy Sessions. We have over 300 people registered to our services with ages ranging from 11 years old up to the age of 65; and can accommodate 40 people at any time.\u201d<\/p>

How do you think playing football benefits the people that attend?<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>

\u201cParticipating in sporting activities such as football has been proven to help ease symptoms of mental health problems such as depression and stress, offer an increase in self-esteem, and can also help reduce levels of anxiety. For some people, physical activity such as playing football can be just as powerful as medicine or therapy.<\/p>

\u201c1 in 4 people here in the UK will experience a mental health problem in any given year. Although mental health problems are common, many people still don\u2019t get the help they need due to the stigma that attaches itself to the subject. These barriers can make a person feel afraid to reach out and prevent them from seeking the help or treatment they need to improve the symptoms and ease the burden. By using a sport that is popular around the globe, we as a charity are challenging the stigma associated with mental health and encouraging more people to access our services through a familiar platform.\u201d<\/p>"},"textColor":{"id":108617804,"value":"#{feature.text.color}"}}}],"properties":{"direction":{"id":108617746,"value":"column"},"icon":{"id":108617747,"value":null},"title":{"id":108617748,"value":null},"textColor":{"id":108617749,"value":"#{feature.text.color}"},"backgroundColor":{"id":108617750,"value":"#{feature.background.color}"},"buttonText":{"id":108617751,"value":null},"copy":{"id":108617752,"value":"

How many people do you currently have coming to the sessions?<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>

\u201cWe currently operate Football Therapy sessions for Men, Women, Youth and we have a Mixed-Gender Walking Football Therapy Sessions. We have over 300 people registered to our services with ages ranging from 11 years old up to the age of 65; and can accommodate 40 people at any time.\u201d<\/p>

How do you think playing football benefits the people that attend?<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>

\u201cParticipating in sporting activities such as football has been proven to help ease symptoms of mental health problems such as depression and stress, offer an increase in self-esteem, and can also help reduce levels of anxiety. For some people, physical activity such as playing football can be just as powerful as medicine or therapy.<\/p>

\u201c1 in 4 people here in the UK will experience a mental health problem in any given year. Although mental health problems are common, many people still don\u2019t get the help they need due to the stigma that attaches itself to the subject. These barriers can make a person feel afraid to reach out and prevent them from seeking the help or treatment they need to improve the symptoms and ease the burden. By using a sport that is popular around the globe, we as a charity are challenging the stigma associated with mental health and encouraging more people to access our services through a familiar platform.\u201d<\/p>"},"template":{"id":108617753,"value":"feature"},"padding":{"id":108617754,"value":"6"},"fullWidth":{"id":108617755,"value":"0"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":108617756,"value":"#{feature.fullBackground.color}"},"published":{"id":108617757,"value":"1"},"conditions":{"id":108617758,"value":"[]"}}},{"id":4463247,"type":"textBlock","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":5,"items":[],"properties":{"html":{"id":108617805,"value":"

To what extent does physical health and mental health go hand in hand?<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>

\u201cWhen we are feeling good physically, we do things that make us feel good mentally; and vice versa! When we engage in physical activity, we are releasing the \u201cfeel good\u201d hormones in our brain such as Serotonin and Dopamine. This helps us feel motivated, we engage with the world around us, and life in general is better. As a result, we are able to thrive and handle the daily stresses of the modern world.<\/p>

\u201cFailure to look after our physical health puts us at risk of low mood, lack of self-esteem, poor sleep hygiene and social isolation. These are some of the elements that fuel depression and anxiety.\u201d<\/p>

Do you find that the people who come to your sessions benefit from taking part in team sport?<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>

\u201cAbsolutely! Those who work with our volunteers and engage in team activities have an opportunity to develop new skills such as communication, leadership, decision-making, all of which can be transferable away from the football pitch and into other areas of their life.<\/p>

\u201cBeing involved in a team sport provides our service users a sense of belonging and helps create support networks. This can be especially important for individuals who may feel isolated or disconnected from others.<\/p>

Our mission as a mental health charity isn\u2019t to create better players, it\u2019s to help create a better way of life for those we work with.\u201d<\/p>"},"borderRadius":{"id":108617806,"value":"#{text.border.radius}"},"textColor":{"id":108617807,"value":"#{text.color}"},"backgroundColour":{"id":108617808,"value":"#0000"},"truncateHeight":{"id":108617809,"value":null},"template":{"id":108617810,"value":"text"},"padding":{"id":108617811,"value":"6"},"fullWidth":{"id":108617812,"value":"0"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":108617813,"value":"#{text.fullBackground.color}"},"published":{"id":108617814,"value":"1"},"conditions":{"id":108617815,"value":"[]"}}},{"id":4463248,"type":"row","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":6,"items":[{"id":4463249,"type":"grid","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":0,"items":[{"id":4463250,"type":"pod","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":0,"items":[],"properties":{"title":{"id":108617832,"value":null},"copy":{"id":108617833,"value":null},"media":{"id":108617834,"value":"image"},"image":{"id":108617835,"value":"{\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/images.podos.io\\\/wr1ch1v80849ug5mhavs1e0d2kghidw7upjthbakaelel6b6.jpeg.jpg?w=auto&h=auto\",\"alt\":\"\"}"},"video":{"id":108617836,"value":null},"autoplayInBackground":{"id":108617837,"value":"1"},"titleSize":{"id":108617838,"value":"1"},"overlay":{"id":108617839,"value":"1"},"href":{"id":108617840,"value":null},"borderRadius":{"id":108617841,"value":"#{image.border.radius}"},"overlayOpacity":{"id":108617842,"value":"0"},"overlayColors":{"id":108617843,"value":null},"overlayDirection":{"id":108617844,"value":"90"},"template":{"id":108617845,"value":"pod"},"padding":{"id":108617846,"value":"6"},"fullWidth":{"id":108617847,"value":"0"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":108617848,"value":"#fff0"},"published":{"id":108617849,"value":"1"},"conditions":{"id":108617850,"value":"[]"},"ratio":{"id":108617851,"value":"square"}}},{"id":4463251,"type":"pod","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":1,"items":[],"properties":{"title":{"id":108617852,"value":null},"copy":{"id":108617853,"value":null},"media":{"id":108617854,"value":"image"},"image":{"id":108617855,"value":"{\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/images.podos.io\\\/pt4bx8u4tg2ujpqf7hihayk8mlcmt88p8scfxcv6h161098v.jpeg.jpg?w=auto&h=auto\",\"alt\":\"\"}"},"video":{"id":108617856,"value":null},"autoplayInBackground":{"id":108617857,"value":"1"},"titleSize":{"id":108617858,"value":"1"},"overlay":{"id":108617859,"value":"1"},"href":{"id":108617860,"value":null},"borderRadius":{"id":108617861,"value":"#{image.border.radius}"},"overlayOpacity":{"id":108617862,"value":"0"},"overlayColors":{"id":108617863,"value":null},"overlayDirection":{"id":108617864,"value":"90"},"template":{"id":108617865,"value":"pod"},"padding":{"id":108617866,"value":"6"},"fullWidth":{"id":108617867,"value":"0"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":108617868,"value":"#fff0"},"published":{"id":108617869,"value":"1"},"conditions":{"id":108617870,"value":"[]"},"ratio":{"id":108617871,"value":"square"}}},{"id":4463252,"type":"pod","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":2,"items":[],"properties":{"title":{"id":108617872,"value":null},"copy":{"id":108617873,"value":null},"media":{"id":108617874,"value":"image"},"image":{"id":108617875,"value":"{\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/images.podos.io\\\/6ipsrona809igbagchre1vg0mowixihyhglf5okhrkzsnwig.jpeg.jpg?w=auto&h=auto\",\"alt\":\"\"}"},"video":{"id":108617876,"value":null},"autoplayInBackground":{"id":108617877,"value":"1"},"titleSize":{"id":108617878,"value":"1"},"overlay":{"id":108617879,"value":"1"},"href":{"id":108617880,"value":null},"borderRadius":{"id":108617881,"value":"#{image.border.radius}"},"overlayOpacity":{"id":108617882,"value":"0"},"overlayColors":{"id":108617883,"value":null},"overlayDirection":{"id":108617884,"value":"90"},"template":{"id":108617885,"value":"pod"},"padding":{"id":108617886,"value":"6"},"fullWidth":{"id":108617887,"value":"0"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":108617888,"value":"#fff0"},"published":{"id":108617889,"value":"1"},"conditions":{"id":108617890,"value":"[]"},"ratio":{"id":108617891,"value":"square"}}}],"properties":{"breakpoints":{"id":108617829,"value":"{\"xs\":1,\"sm\":3}"},"padding":{"id":108617830,"value":"2"},"spacing":{"id":108617831,"value":null}}},{"id":4463253,"type":"textBlock","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":1,"items":[],"properties":{"padding":{"id":108617892,"value":"2"},"html":{"id":108617893,"value":"

How important do you think having the right kit is to a team like yours?<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>

\u201cHaving the right kit is so important because it helps offer you a sense of identity in the community and plays a vital role in opening conversations surrounding mental health. If you look at the fantastic kit that the Kitlocker team have kindly donated to us. Our logo stands out and our slogan of #TacklingTheMind looks perfect on the back of the shirt. People want to learn more and understand what we are all about.\u201d<\/p>

What is your vision for the future of Kick Start FC?<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>

\u201cLong-term, we would love to operate Football Therapy sessions up and down the country to support as many people as we can who might be struggling with a mental health problem or social isolation. Through football we hope more people open up about their mental health and seek the professional support they need to further their recovery.<\/p>

\u201cA recent wellbeing report has shown that where we operate in Wiltshire has been identified as a high-risk area for depression and obesity. So, for now, we want to continue to grow as a charity and raise awareness of the service we can provide to those in our local community.\u201d<\/p>

MORE: For more on this campaign, check out the Kitunlocker homepage<\/u><\/a>\u00a0where you\u2019ll find links to all of our collaborations so far.<\/p>"},"textColor":{"id":108617894,"value":"#{feature.text.color}"}}}],"properties":{"direction":{"id":108617816,"value":"column"},"icon":{"id":108617817,"value":null},"title":{"id":108617818,"value":null},"textColor":{"id":108617819,"value":"#{feature.text.color}"},"backgroundColor":{"id":108617820,"value":"#{feature.background.color}"},"buttonText":{"id":108617821,"value":null},"copy":{"id":108617822,"value":"

How important do you think having the right kit is to a team like yours?<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>

\u201cHaving the right kit is so important because it helps offer you a sense of identity in the community and plays a vital role in opening conversations surrounding mental health. If you look at the fantastic kit that the Kitlocker team have kindly donated to us. Our logo stands out and our slogan of #TacklingTheMind looks perfect on the back of the shirt. People want to learn more and understand what we are all about.\u201d<\/p>

What is your vision for the future of Kick Start FC?<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>

\u201cLong-term, we would love to operate Football Therapy sessions up and down the country to support as many people as we can who might be struggling with a mental health problem or social isolation. Through football we hope more people open up about their mental health and seek the professional support they need to further their recovery.<\/p>

\u201cA recent wellbeing report has shown that where we operate in Wiltshire has been identified as a high-risk area for depression and obesity. So, for now, we want to continue to grow as a charity and raise awareness of the service we can provide to those in our local community.\u201d<\/p>

MORE: For more on this campaign, check out the Kitunlocker homepage<\/u><\/a> where you\u2019ll find links to all of our collaborations so far.<\/p>"},"template":{"id":108617823,"value":"feature"},"padding":{"id":108617824,"value":"6"},"fullWidth":{"id":108617825,"value":"0"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":108617826,"value":"#{feature.fullBackground.color}"},"published":{"id":108617827,"value":"1"},"conditions":{"id":108617828,"value":"[]"}}}],"properties":{"title":{"id":108617663,"value":"Kitunlocker: Kick Start FC"},"isStorePage":{"id":108617664,"value":"1"},"description":{"id":108617665,"value":"A football-based mental health charity from Wiltshire"},"ogImage":{"id":108617666,"value":"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/njywcjbhdgigdx69n8wxfi9pqylvewbxxbpxvi0g9ne70yxk.jpeg.jpg?w=1200&h=auto"}},"labels":[],"published":1,"sitemap":1,"divisionId":386790,"edited":true,"keyPhraseCampaignId":null}