Disability team helping players’ mental health
THE FOUNDER of a disabled football team in Halifax says he wants to help others help others with their disabilities and mental health.
Gavin Payne is chairman of Halifax DFC, which started in July, has around 20 players and has been affiliated into the West Riding County Football Association.
“I was a disabled player until I retired from playing and formed my own club,” he said.
“I wanted to give back to the community that helped me get over the dark days to where I am today and help others to fight their disabilities and mental health, get them included and get them out and about.”
Gavin played for Greetland Goldstars, but when their mental well-being team folded, he says it left him without a vital support network.
The 43-year-old was left disabled after an accident at work when he was a bus driver in Greater Manchester.
“It left me disabled and being stuck at home, and my depression began to grow out of control,” he said.
“Amongst other things family related, such as my first marriage breaking down, family members passing away and not be able to work, it became too much to handle and I suffered a full mental breakdown.
“My disabilities are fibromyalgia, arthritis, sleep apnoea, chronic pain syndrome and depression and anxiety. I’d attempted suicide on more than one occasion after my mental breakdown. Depression left me house-bound, scared to leave my safe haven of my four walls, and I didn’t leave the house properly for over two years, I didn’t socialise, and it robbed me of any confidence I had.
“When the team (Greetland) was dropped I relapsed and attempted suicide again. I decided to form my own disability club which a friend suggested to start. Our first games in the West Riding Ability Counts League are due be on October 31 and we can’t wait to get started.
“We have seen the players come out of their shells, become more confident in what they do. The smiles on their faces and the passion for the sport is what it’s all about and I’m so proud how far they have come.”
The team trains at North Halifax Grammar School on Saturdays from 1pm to 2pm and offer a first session free.
We have seen the players come out of their shells, become more confident in what they do
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