Blackpool FC Community Trust column: Recreational football has brought many benefits
Blackpool FC Community Trust’s Active Through Football (ATF) programme has continued to grow in partnership with Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
It sees weekly recreational football sessions delivered for women staff through the Trust’s Health and Wellbeing team.
These sessions are designed to provide a fun, supportive and social environment for women of all footballing abilities to be active, improve their wellbeing and connect with colleagues across the Trust.
A key focus of the programme has been staff wellbeing, recognising the strong link between healthy, happy employees and improved morale.
Paula Wright, the Health Improvement Coordinator, said: “We are sincerely grateful to BFCCT and the ATF programmes, whose funding has empowered many of our staff to improve their health and wellbeing.
“Staff wellbeing is closely linked to patient outcomes and reduced clinical errors, making your continued support even more meaningful.”
The sessions have grown steadily since their launch, with participants attending regularly and enjoying a range of physical and social benefits.
The NHS Blackpool Women’s Football team has engaged in wider Trust activities, including the Restart a Heart event at Blackpool Victoria Hospital where players learned CPR and life-saving skills.
Feedback has highlighted the positive impact of the sessions.
Tina Campbell, medical secretary, said: “Participation in our sessions has had a hugely positive impact on the physical, social and mental wellbeing of our members.
“Since our formation, we’ve grown from just four or five members to around 20 regular players, with an average of 15 attending each week.
“Having our own kit has brought the group even closer together and symbolises the opportunities we missed out on and the empowerment we’ve gained by reclaiming them together.”
Janet Preece, from MLA Pathology (Microbiology), added: “It is a really welcoming and supportive group.
“Meeting up once a week and also having social events has created a regular group of women who I can meet up with, do some exercise with and feel like I belong.”
Finally, Corinne Greenhalgh, Clinical Matron for Critical Care, revealed: “I joined to get back into football at a non-competitive level.
“The sessions have enabled me to exercise, relieve stress and reconnect with the game.
“Everyone is made to feel welcome and friendships have formed across different roles within the Trust.”
Looking ahead, the programme will expand to run twice weekly in 2026 and allow more women staff to access the benefits of recreational football, build confidence and continue developing a strong sense of team identity.
Through ATF, Blackpool Teaching Hospitals continue to champion staff wellbeing, community engagement and the promotion of an active, healthy lifestyle for all.
For further information, contact Lauren Dugdale by emailing [email protected]