Posted on: 3 September 2020
The Grenfell Health and Wellbeing Service (GHWS) for Children and Young People held a socially-distanced football event in late August, for 11 to 18 year old young people from the area. In the end, some people not known to the service joined in the socially distanced fun.
The event was facilitated by Micah Frizzle, Community Engagement Practitioner and Sports Coach, and coordinated by the Community Engagement Team at GHWS.
The initial event had been postponed from the previous week due to rainy weather, but the young people agreed it was well worth the wait.
All the young people said they had fun, and that the session improved their wellbeing. They all said they would like another similar session in future.
The service rewarded their hard work and sportsmanship with medals at the end of the game, and a biodegradable giftbag with helpful goodies.
One of the young people said “Keep doing what you’re doing it’s amazing!!!”
Another commented that “It was so fun today.”
Football not only improves people’s mental and physical wellbeing, but also encourages social inclusion, and can improve self-esteem and confidence.
Paula Arriazu, Counselling Psychologist and Supervisor for the Children and Young People’s Community Engagement Team at GHWS said:
“Physical exercise can have a profoundly positive impact on our mental health and wellbeing and so does engaging in fun activities in the community. We were really happy to see young people engage with peers and enjoy some football exercise after such a long time spent indoors with little chance of fun social activities. We hope to run more events like this in the future.”
The team is currently evaluating the event with the hopes of running another football session soon for younger children. Social distancing measures will continue to be a priority.
