Talk Club’s mission is to provide a global community of peer-to-peer talking groups, therapy and sports clubs that empowers men to maintain their mental fitness and ultimately prevent suicide. Manchester FA have pledged to support this mission and will work with their network of clubs and providers to provide opportunities for men to work on their mental wellbeing. 

With Talk Club, Manchester FA will be establishing Talk & Football Club’s throughout Greater Manchester providing men with an opportunity to talk, listen and play football. Each session will start and finish simply with the question “How are you? Out of 10?” allowing participants to check in with how they feel before playing. 

Starting 27th July, the first Talk & Football Club will take place weekly at Burnage Rugby Club on Thursday nights 8-9pm and will cost just £3.50. All men aged 18+ can just turn up and play for a social game of football. Click here to book on to a session or for more information or to ask any questions before attending please contact Joe.Mathias@ManchesterFA.com 

Joe Mathias, Football Development Officer at Manchester FA and a Talk Club Captain said “The benefits of physical activity and talking for mental health are well known and we hope that through these sessions we can help men open up, become more mentally fit and feel part of a community; all whilst enjoying a social kickabout. We would encourage men of all ages and backgrounds to attend, no matter how you are feeling out of 10.” 

Ben Akers Co-Founder/Co-CEO of Talk Club added “We’re really excited about the potential of this partnership. Our mission is to get men mentally fit, and we do that by being where men are. And lots of men, especially in Manchester.” 

Manchester FA are committed to seeing more Talk & Football Clubs taking place at clubs and facilities across Greater Manchester. As part of the partnership, both organisations will also be providing Talk Club Captain training to volunteers and officials working with adult male players. If your club or organisation are interested in starting your own Talk & Football Club for men in your area please also get in touch. 

If you need further help and assistance with your mental health, please speak to your GP, Samaritans, Hub of Hope, Mind or BACP. 

What does a Talk & Football Club look like 

Each Talk & Football Club will take place weekly, fortnightly, or monthly. Everyone attending will be welcomed by the Talk Club captain, who is a volunteer. Talk & Football Club is a talking group rather than a therapy group, each person will be asked to simply answer the question “How are you? Out of 10?” and share why. Everyone else listens respectfully. Sharing might not be easy at first, but we hope Talk & Football Club will improve your mental fitness and ability to share and talk about how your are feeling. Everything shared within Talk & Football Club remains confidential, we want to build trusting relationships within the group. 

After everyone has shared their scores, we will split everyone into 2 teams and play football for the remainder of the session. Finally, before everyone departs, we all check out. Again answering the question “How are you? Out of 10?” It’s simple, but effective. Please join us. 

To attend our first session at Burnage Rugby Club you can book your place or just turn up and play. For more information or to ask any questions before attending please contact Joe.Mathias@ManchesterFA.com