Football club a winner over mental health
Stoneyburn Juniors manager Steven Sharp says he’s ‘incredibly proud’ after the club helped to deliver a mental health programme to the local community.
The club, in partnership with Stoneyburn and Bents Future Vision Group who secured the funding, were able to use the beautiful game to support men’s mental health in the village.
The eight-week programme was held at the club’s Beechwood Park ground and featured former professional footballers, including current Hamilton boss Brian Rice and Graeme Love, who won the Scottish Cup with Bathgate Thistle, chatting about their careers and experiences within the game.
Stoneyburn manager Steven Sharp hailed the programme, saying: “It went better than I expected to be honest and was really well received by the local community.
“You’re asking eight well-known guys in football to take time out of their lives to come down to Stoneyburn on a Wednesday night.
“So it was really appreciated that all of them were so keen and happy to talk.
“Every speaker was different and the response from the guys who came down to be part of it was phenomenal.”
He added: “The pandemic has been tough for a lot of people’s mental health, including my own. The programme was a bit of a break and a sense of relief and togetherness on a Wednesday night.
“People had that something to look forward to every week, it was a hugely beneficial , and we’re proud to have been able to help bring something so important to the community.”