‘It's A Goal’ launches in Rochdale

‘It's A Goal’ launches in Rochdale

Young men in the Rochdale borough are receiving help to overcome their depression and low self esteem thanks to a new football programme at Rochdale AFC, which uses football as a metaphor.

Nacro, has been funded by NHS North West to run ‘It’s a Goal!’ an 11-week self-development programme which helps men over the age of 18 who may suffer, or have suffered, with depression or low self-confidence and low self esteem.

Bobby Greenwood, Nacro’s ‘It’s a Goal!” Coach for Rochdale, said: “The project is going to be targeting a traditionally hard to read group of men who suffer from anxiety, depression and self-confidence issues. It’s using football as a tool to reach people who would otherwise not engage in this therapy.

“I am a big football fan and know the impact the game can have and I’m looking forward to implementing that in Rochdale.”

Rochdale’s community trust chairman, Andrew Kelly, said: “We are very excited about ‘It's A Goal!’ which further develops the work of the club within the local community. The programme adds to the fantastic work already undertaken by the Football in the Community Trust and linking with experts can only benefit everybody concerned. It once again shows the commitment of the club to provide a quality service to our local community.”

NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale is one of five PCTs to win funding from NHS North West to run the programme.

Shabnam Sardar, NHS HMR project commissioning manager, said: “We’re really pleased the ‘It’s A Goal!’ programme is now being offered to men in our borough. Many men are reluctant to talk about their feelings or to seek help when they need it and many feel that they're expected to cope with problems themselves. The programme is so important to reduce the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and to give men a way they can receive support.”

The 11-a-side team and 4-4-2 theme starts with match one ‘goalkeeper’, an introductory session where ‘players sign up’ for the team. The next four matches are defence, which are based on teamwork, support and defined roles. The next four matches under ‘midfield’ concentrate on attributes such as relaxation, motivation and assertiveness. The final two matches on ‘attack’, look at making the most of opportunities.