Bachy Soletanche recently sponsored an open-age amateur football team in Liverpool, which is supporting men’s mental health and inclusivity.
The team was set up by the company’s accounts assistant Thomas Medcalf earlier this year. After gaining traction from friends and locals, numbers grew, and they now have an 11-a-side team who are participating in the Merseyside 11s Inclusion League. The league is providing an opportunity for people of all abilities to play competitive football, particularly those from socially excluded backgrounds.
The Friday night league comprises of 12 teams, with each player contributing £20 a month to help pay for the overheads. Donations are also being collected at each match, with all money raised going to men’s mental health and homelessness charities in Liverpool.
Thomas, who is captain and welfare officer of the team, is eager to break down the stigma attached to mental health. After struggling with his own mental wellbeing during the Covid-19 pandemic, Thomas wanted to raise awareness and support for others facing similar challenges.
Thomas commented,
“When setting up the team, I wanted to make sure it provided a non-judgemental space for players to talk openly about any issues they are facing. It took me a while to open up to mates about my own mental health struggles. As it’s not often talked about, it’s easy to assume that you’re alone. However, once I started talking to people, I realised just how common mental health problems are. Although, we’re participating in a competitive league, we don’t take it too seriously. Primarily, it’s about coming together to have fun and support men’s mental health. Personally, I play throughout the week and it does wonders for me, physically and mentally – getting active, especially in a social setting, is the best thing for wellbeing.”
The team, who rely solely on crowdfunding to continue playing in the league, have so far raised over £3,000, including £500 contributed by Bachy Soletanche.
In addition to the Inclusion League, Thomas’s team is set to join the FA Southport and District Amateur Football League in 2025. Although this isn’t a charity-based league, the team are planning to hold several fundraising matches and volunteering events to support mental health and homelessness in the Liverpool area.
