As well as the obvious physical benefits of exercise, playing sports can reduce stress and be as effective as medication or psychotherapy when treating mental health disorders. Not to mention the feeling of being part of a community with a shared purpose.
These are some of many reasons why DSL is supporting Football for Fathers, a community-based club for football-loving Dads over 30 years’ old based in and around Hertfordshire.
What began as seven mates playing ‘jumpers for goalposts’ in the park in 2017 has now grown to 500+ signed-up players of all abilities playing competitive football together across eleven weekly sessions, including a dedicated women’s session. Having a regular kick around with the team is a low cost, easily accessible way of maintaining physical health and mental wellbeing.
Founding Principles
The club’s founding principles are inclusivity, wellbeing, enjoyment and community spirit. Plus, through activities, sponsorship and players’ generous donations, they also support local good causes and charities.
Rory Dear, Managing Director, DSL, said: “As a player myself, I’ve seen and felt the impacts both on and off the pitch. There’s a reason it’s called ‘the beautiful game’; football is a great outlet for people, particularly for men who may be suffering from mental health issues. It provides routine, access to outdoor spaces, and enables people to feel connected to others.
“Community sport has such a positive role to play in helping communities to thrive and I’m delighted to be able to support this brilliant initiative. A huge thanks goes to the Football for Fathers Committee for their enthusiasm and commitment, and to my fellow players for their camaraderie.”
Tom Scott, Sales Manager, DSL, is also a signed-up member of Football for Fathers: “It’s a great way to help keep yourself in shape. You play with likeminded people and the games are always played in good spirit. Whether you are a ‘has been’, a ‘never has been’ like myself, or a professional, we all play the game because we love it and Football for Fathers provides me with a great platform to carry on playing as long as my body will let me”.