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The Kickabout Aberdeen: Scoring Goals for Wellbeing
Jan 2, 2024
2 min read
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In the heart of Northeast Scotland, an inspiring charity organisation, “The Kickabout Aberdeen” (TKA), is making remarkable strides in enhancing the mental and physical wellbeing of dads, grandads, and carers. This innovative project harnesses the universal appeal of football to create a supportive community focused on health, camaraderie, and joy.
The Origin of a Vision
Founded by two enthusiasts in Aberdeen, Paul Simpson, and Dave Sims around 5 years ago, The Kickabout Aberdeen emerged from a simple yet powerful idea: to use the love for football to bring together men from various walks of life who are often overlooked in conversations about mental health and wellbeing. The project which was recently recognised as a charity organisation, recognised that fathers, grandfathers and male carers in the region needed a space to connect, share experiences, and support each other.
Football: More Than a Game
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At its core, The Kickabout Aberdeen is about football – but it’s so much more than just playing the game. Weekly football matches provide a safe and friendly environment where men can engage in physical activity, crucial for their physical health. But more importantly, these gatherings serve as a platform for participants to break away from the isolation that often accompanied their roles as a caregivers and family men.
Tackling Mental Health Stigma
One of the organisation’s primary goals is to challenge the stigma surrounding men’s mental health. In the pre-match and post-match huddles or during substitutions, conversations flow freely, ranging from light-hearted banter to deeper discussions about personal challenges. These interactions foster a sense of belonging and provide an outlet for stress and anxiety, which is especially important in a demographic often reluctant to seek help for mental health issues.
The Impact on Participants
The impact of The Kickabout Aberdeen is evident in the story of participants. Men like John, a single father of two, who found a sense pf brotherhood and an outlet to cope with stress of single parenthood. Or Graham, a father, who not only improved his physical fitness but also rediscovered a sense of purpose and community.
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Engaging the community
The Kickabout Aberdeen actively engages with local community, partnering with health organisations, local businesses, and mental health charities. These collaborations have been crucial in providing additional resources such as equipment, mental health training and venues, that further enhance the participants’ experience.
Looking ahead
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As The Kickabout Aberdeen continues to grow, its founders and now with now the help of Barry Ross who is secretary and Capitan of the TKA, are committed to expanding their reach. Plans include setting up more teams, organising more community events, and increasing awareness about men's mental and physical health issues. The organisation envisions a future where their model can be replicated in other communities, spreading the message that taking care of one's wellbeing can be both enjoyable and empowering.
A Game Changer in Community Wellbeing
The Kickabout Aberdeen stands as a testament to the power of community-based initiatives in addressing health and wellbeing. By combining the passion for football with a supportive network, this charity is not just scoring goals on the field, but also in the lives of many men in Northeast Scotland, proving that sometimes, the simplest ideas can have the most profound impacts.