Blackpool FC Community Trust column: Having an impact on the area's residents

We recently relaunched our Get Set to Go sessions at Stanley Park, which focus on using football to help support local people’s mental health and wellbeing.

One of our participants, Ben, said “It’s really good to be back. I’m glad we’re back to organising football again.

“For me, it’s been so hard through lockdown. I’m just glad to be back around everyone again and the coaches.”

One of our new Traineeship students Cayman Irvine said of her involvement: “The Traineeship has improved my self-esteem and confidence.

“My mental health was very low during lockdown but my work placement gave me the opportunity to focus on something positive.”

Our Traineeship programme works with people aged 16-24 who are currently not in employment or education, and attempts to help put them on the path to work.

Funded by EFL Trust and Sport England, our FIT BLACKPOOL programme has been extremely popular and had some amazing results.

We’re excited that Heart Research UK, through the Healthy Hearts Grant, have funded a new session we now offer to females who have completed FIT BLACKPOOL and want to continue physical activity.

Keep FIT sessions are now delivered at the football stadium and participant Emma said: “To begin with I was really worried about catching coronavirus, so I didn’t leave the house for four weeks.

“Nathan and Lee from BFCCT put out videos of workouts that we could do at home, so that was really good.

“Towards the end of lockdown, I bought some weights and tried to up my steps again because they had dropped. I’m aiming to do at least 10,000-12,000 a day. I think I came out of lockdown stronger than I went into it.”

Asked how she felt about returning to sessions, Emma said: “You’re made to feel welcome no matter what age, shape, size or how fit you are.

“I was terrified of exercise to begin with and now I absolutely love it. I don’t feel judged and it’s great to have that support.

“The support here is amazing, the group is brilliant and so encouraging. It just spurs you on to do better each time.

“It’s been so good getting back into the circuits. I’m a bit nervous about going to a different circuits class at the gym because they are all super fit.

“This is perfect for me as I can work at my own pace, do what I want to do, use my body weight to do exercise and get my heart rate up too. I just love it and I really missed it over lockdown.”

These are just three examples of individuals our programmes have helped and inspired.

One of the things that makes me most proud to be part of BFCCT is that we have a programme for everyone and are committed to increasing this as we continue to develop.