TAKING part in a football season was something Mal from Chester never thought he would be able to cope with.
After suffering from severe mental illness he withdrew himself from society and was left in despair – in his early 30s he couldn’t see what life could offer him.
However, the dedicated football fan was offered a lifeline when he was chosen to take part in the ‘It’s a Goal’ scheme – a self-development programme based on the theme of football.
During the 11-week-long ‘season’ the ‘players’ set themselves a ‘goal’ and go through a series of team talks and mini goals to help them achieve their aim.
Like Mal, many of the players have gone on to employment and volunteering posts after building up their confidence and breaking down the barriers that once stopped them reaching their full potential in life.
The ‘season’ starts with an introduction session and follows onto four ‘defence’ matches where ‘players’ learn about teamwork.
Four midfield matches aim to take players’ confidence to the next step before the ‘attack’ matches look at taking hold of opportunities and how they can make the most of them.
Mal, who did not want to be identified further, told the Leader: “Before I took part in the It’s a Goal programme at Chester FC, I’d been admitted to hospital suffering with psychosis. Over the years I’d become very withdrawn and depressed as well as lacking direction but through my community psychiatric nurses I became aware of ‘It’s a Goal’ and decided to give it a try because it seemed different to me and also because it involved talking about football which I am very keen on and is run at a football stadium.
“By participating in the ‘It’s a Goal’ peer group self-development programme I’ve gained confidence by sharing experiences with my other team mates on the programme.
“The content of the course being goal based every week has enabled me to overcome barriers that have been holding me back.
“Step by step I’ve edged closer to my overall goal of getting back into employment.”
Goals such as returning to employment to learning to swim have been chosen by ‘players’ who engage in the scheme.
They are given post-scheme support by the Goal Supporters’ Club.
Mal and the team from ‘It’s a Goal’ have recently celebrated on his behalf, after he scored a place on a full-time plumbing course at West Cheshire College.
Mal, now 34, is also helping other young men get back on their feet by helping to support the ‘It’s a Goal’ coach at the Tranmere Rovers FC-based scheme.
He added: “My lifestyle has also improved by playing football regularly and I now feel much more confident and healthy and for the first time, part of society. I would highly recommend ‘It’s a Goal’.”
The course is run in conjunction with Nacro, a skills support charity, and NHS Western Cheshire Primary Care Trust.
For more information call Kieran Hatton on 07789716479 or email kieran.hatton@nacro.org.uk