Blowing the final whistle on ill-health

Teams lead the way in making football accessible to all

Getting physically and mentally fit was the name of the game as a special footie match kicked off in Paisley.

A RAMH 11 took on a side from the Man v Fat group in a barrierbusting clash at the Roberston Sport Campus, in Paisley.

Organisers say football is the perfect way to tackle mental illness and get fit at the same time and hope the game will become a regular fixture.

Graham Cossar physical, activity worker for RAMH, praised everyone who took part.

He said: “It was a real positive to see such a big turn out from both groups.

“All the guys involved are working hard to improve their life through becoming more physically active and it was great to see them support each other.

“Unfortunately, there can be a lot of stigma still attached to mental health and a lot of judgement cast for those who may be overweight.

“But these guys aren’t interested on focusing on that.

“They are taking back control and making positive changes to improve their overall health and wellbeing long-term and you can only commend each one of them for that.”

The game itself, which was competitive and supportive, saw plenty of goal-mouth action, and ended 4-4, with the RAMH Rams winning 4-1 on penalties.

Both RAMH and the Glasgow based Man v Fat groups run weekly five- a-side games and decided to come together to put on the big-sided game, giving players a chance to turn back the clock.

Graham added: “We might not be obvious partners, but look at little closer and you will see at the heart of each group is the promotion of physical activity for groups that have perceived barriers to participation.

“Where RAMH facilitate a football group for people with mental health issues, the Man v Fat programme running their Glasgow league look to tackle weight loss in men.

So, whether it is an improvement in mental or physical health, these groups are leading the way in making football accessible to all.”

To find out more about getting involved in a sport locally, call Graham on 0141 881 8811.

They are taking back control and making positive changes to improve their overall health and wellbeing