How a Community Football Programme Transformed One Man's Mental Health

A Darlington man who has battled depression for most of his life says a community football programme has transformed his mental health, and wants others to consider joining.

Carl Mansfield has attended Darlington FC Foundation's 'Think With Your Feet' sessions since November 2022 and is now one of the group's longest-standing members. The programme, which uses football to support mental wellbeing, runs on Tuesday and Friday afternoons at Eastbourne Sports Complex. Football had always been part of Carl's life, but it gradually disappeared from his routine once his Sunday league days ended and family commitments grew.

Looking back, he believes that played a significant role in his mental health struggles. "I think that was a big part of why I ended up suffering with depression, so coming back and playing again through this programme with the Darlington FC Foundation has massively helped me," he said. "I've been on medication for it in the past, and thankfully because of this and other things I've done, like developing new coping mechanisms, I've been off medication now for over two years."

Carl attends every Tuesday and says the benefits go beyond exercise. Football clears his mind, but he says the group's friendships and support network make the biggest difference. Participants come from a range of backgrounds, but he says there's a strong sense of understanding among those involved. "Everyone's got a different story on how they've ended up here, but everyone's friendly and open," he said. "If anyone had problems, they wouldn't feel afraid to pull me to one side and have a chat with me, and I wouldn't feel afraid or worried if they were doing that."

The sessions have become important enough to Carl's week that his employer allows him to finish early every Tuesday so he can attend, with colleagues understanding the value the programme holds for his wellbeing. Mental health is the programme's main focus, but Carl says it brings competition too. "There are some very good players here, to be fair, then there's the likes of me at the other end of the spectrum, so it's not too bad."

His advice to anyone considering the sessions is straightforward. "Get yourself down here," he said. "It's just two hours of football, whatever your worries are, you can leave them on the side of the pitch."

Darlington FC Foundation's community work has continued to expand, with more than 9,000 participants taking part in its projects during the 2025-26 season. 'Think With Your Feet' is one of several initiatives now being backed by a new partnership between Amazon and the Foundation, which includes a £25,000 donation supporting mental health, disability and youth engagement programmes across the region.