NL LEISURE KICKSTART

7/6/2019

The programme is weekly 1 hour football sessions with a Scottish FA Qualified Coach for Integrated Addiction Services with joint access for mental health services. It is open to male and females 16years +. We currently deliver these programmes in Airdrie, Cumbernauld (partnership with Clyde FC in the community), Wishaw, Coatbridge, Motherwell and Bellshill.

We will provide structured football sessions to improve their confidence, self-esteem, communication and social skills. Along with this, it will also improve their health and fitness. The group will meet new friends, interactive with people who are on similar paths in their life and ultimately help each other along the way. The programme will also address issues such as boredom and social isolation.

At our group in Airdrie there is evidence of improved family relationships and periods of total abstinence or people working towards a position of abstinence and lasting change. There is also evidence of a reduction in the offending behaviour of some. Most of all it has kept them away from alcohol, drugs, resulting in a significant improvement to those within the group who have mental health issues or problems. We will also provide the groups with their own training kit and an opportunity to obtain their Scottish Football Association Level 1.1 Qualification.

We are now in the process of organising a North Lanarkshire League where all 6 teams will come together once a month at a central location and play against each other. Within these days, the groups will also go through various workshops such as SuicideTalk, Nutrition and Positive Coaching.

Kickstart Class Times

Ravenscraig – Tuesday – 2.30 – 3.30pm
Broadwood – Wednesday – 12pm - 1pm
Sir Matt Busby – Thursday – 2.30pm – 3.30pm (starts 2nd May)
Airdrie Leisure Centre – Thursday – 3pm – 4pm
Wishaw Sports Centre – Friday – 1pm – 2pm (subject to change)
Time Capsule – Friday – 2pm – 3pm

Success Stories

We have piloted a nutrition programme at Cumbernauld with huge success. Giving an insight into the diet of a footballer and the health benefits of foods and drinks.
Seven of the group have achieved the SFA Level 1.1 coaching certificate, with the potential to have everyone put through this and progress on to 1.2 Coaching Young Footballers.
BBC Scotland have interviewed NL Leisure about the success of the programme.
Airdrie team photo won the Suicide Prevention Tournament in 2017

Key success to the programme has been partnership work with regular support and guidance from the addiction/mental health workers.

Future Opportunities