Football On Target To Boost Mental Health
16 August 2008
Derwent Valley Rovers
These guys have experienced some grim, dark days. Life had been hell for them but football, and being part of this team, offers them hope and a focus. The change in their body language, their outlook on life has been fantastic to see
”Ann Edwards, Senior Lecturer in Mental Health at the University of Derby
Here’s proof that football really is good for your health.
Not one member of a 26-man football squad for mental health sufferers and schizophrenics has suffered a relapse since a team affiliated to Derby County Football Club was formed three years ago. At the time, BBC Football Focus issued a national appeal for other teams to play against which proved fruitful.
Derwent Valley Rovers has been held up by the Football Association as a beacon example of how football can help change lives.
The football team, developed in partnership between the University of Derby and Derby County Football Club, and who play in the Rams’ colours, features as a case study on a new FA website encouraging mental health sufferers to take up the sport.
Team members who were previously sectioned had battled black moods, struggled with suicidal tendencies, and suffered other mental anguish now experience a stable frame of mind and look forward to the future with confidence.
Team founder Ann Edwards, Senior Lecturer in Mental Health at the University of Derby, said: “These guys have experienced some grim, dark days. Life had been hell for them but football, and being part of this team, offers them hope and a focus. The change in their body language, their outlook on life has been fantastic to see.
“Not one of the players in the squad has suffered a relapse in the three years we have been together – it’s a testament to them and to the power of football.”
Derwent Valley Rovers play at festivals across the country and train each week in the JJB stadium, next to Pride Park, in Derby. The team also wear the Derby County football strip for matches.
Peter Collins, Disability Football Officer at Derby County Football Club, said: “The track record of Derwent Valley Rovers and its ability to provide mental health sufferers with a focus and a chance to get over their illness is now being proven.
“As well as the physical aspects of the sport and the mental aspects of teamwork and tactics, the squad socialise together and have made friends and some of the players also take part in committee matters such as being a treasurer, which adds a further focus.”
The new website section on TheFA.com provides networking opportunities for people interested in finding out more about mental health and football and intended to help empower people to engage with football in a variety of ways to improve mental health.
It will demonstrate good practice and through examples such as Derwent Valley Rovers, show how to get involved with and set up a team for people who suffer from mental illnesses. It will also promote relevant events, awards and tournaments.
The work has also involved Shift, an initiative to tackle stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health issues in England and the Care Services Improvement Partnership (CISP) which is part of, and commissioned by the Department of Health.
Derwent Valley Rovers players have spoken about how playing football has transformed their lives:
Goalkeeper Michael Street, 28, from Derby, is supported at matches by his fiancé Julia. He said: “I was sectioned and in Kingsway Hospital from 1997 to 2000 and was suffering from schizophrenia and having freak-outs.
“I love football and joined this team three years ago. It keeps me motivated and excited and it’s great. I still take medication but don’t need to see the doctor very often. It has changed my life.”
Club captain Philip Marke, 23, from Littleover, said: “I had schizophrenia in 2003 brought on by stress and I didn’t want to leave the house. I wanted to be on my own and ended up having a spell in hospital. Football has been brilliant for me and I have not had a relapse. The social side of things is really good and it gives you something to look forward to during the week.”
And midfielder William Spicer suffered from delusions that he would be a prophet when battling his schizophrenic illness. He joined the football team in 2006. He said: “Football has transformed me and enabled me to begin studying for a degree.”
The new website initiative also brings together the Professional Footballers’ Association, the Football Foundation, the Premier League, the Football League Trust, and Sporting Chance.
FA Chairman Lord Triesman said: “The impact of football on health and well-being is well recognised. The FA is committed to working with the Department of Health and other partners such as the University of Derby to help tackle the stigma and discrimination associated with mental health, as well as encouraging active participation in the game by those affected by mental health issues.”
To find out more, the web address is: www.thefa.com/thefa/equality/mentalhealth.
