Meet The Team

I started playing football about four years ago, after I began coaching a girls’ team. After some horrendous years filled with abuse, I needed direction and support, so I joined BFTW. The girls were amazing, but then my health took a massive dip. I lost my confidence and my ability to play as well as I used to, along with my belief in myself in general.

Along with the other committee members, we started FCI to help people like me. I never want anyone to go through what I did or feel as alone as I did. We want everyone to feel like they belong, are heard, and feel special. I love football, but I also love seeing people smile. That’s what makes me happy. I’d sacrifice my own happiness for anyone who needs it.

Why I joined FCI:
I joined FCI because I’d been playing locally for another team for a while and really wasn’t enjoying any of it. There was bullying, criticism and a massive detriment to my mental and physical health. As a recovering addict who has dealt with my mental health my whole life, I knew a change was needed.

FCI, to me, is what a mental health football club should be about. Everyone at the club has a story, and each and every one of those stories matters. It’s not just a football club to me. It’s a family, a community. It’s a place where everyone is equal. It isn’t about who created it or who runs anything. It’s about the people and their wellbeing: seeing people encourage one another, parents, children, brothers and sisters all playing football together and enjoying it. That’s what football is about.

Favourite Team: Derby County / Manchester United / Wrexham. Don’t judge, I have my reasons.

Position: Well, I… wait! Erm… football?
OK, so right wing, left wing, attacking mid or striker, but I have been known to play in defence. I just tend to score too many own goals.

Why I joined FCI:
Being transgender it’s always been difficult to find community’s I feel like I belong in. I love keeping active and when I was younger loved playing football. But one thing I realised after I transitioned it was impossible it was for me to play in a club. I couldn’t play with the girls anymore and men’s football was overwhelming as I’m not the best at football and couldn’t keep up. There was no opportunity’s for people like me to improve or play without pressure. However I can say this is no longer the case all thanks to this amazing club ❤️

Since starting to play football my mental health has never been better, my confidence has grown (despite the occasional broken bone). As someone who has always struggled with their mental health I wanted to give people the same thing that football has given me.

I’m so proud of the amazing club and all of it’s members and its so important to me to give people opportunities that would otherwise struggle.

Favourite team – Manchester United

Position – I’m like a golden retriever playing fetch. I start somewhere but I’m so excited I just chase the ball

Hi I'm Chris, Married with 3 kids and one granddaughter. I've always loved football but had an operation on my leg a couple of years ago to remove a tumour and stopped playing. I decided this year to get back into it and since joining FCI I haven't looked back. I've lost nearly 2 stone and my mental health has improved massively. I love meeting new people and look forward to seeing all the smiling faces at our sessions. I've made friends for life and I'm sure you will too.

I support Aston Villa (not been an easy ride)

My role at the club is Lead Welfare Officer.

If ever you need me just drop me a message.

Hi,

I thought I’d share a little about myself and my journey.

I’m passionate about supporting people, building confidence and making a positive difference. With over 20 years’ experience supporting children and adults with complex needs, disabilities, learning needs, emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD) and mental health challenges, I believe everyone deserves to feel valued, supported and included.

I hold a degree in Sport and am a qualified Mental Health First Aider, Family Support Worker and Safeguarding Lead. My experience and qualifications reflect my commitment to wellbeing, safeguarding and creating safe, supportive environments where people can thrive.

Football has always been an important part of my life. I’ve played college football and charity matches as both a striker and midfielder. I’m also a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and a lifelong Manchester United supporter — so I’m certainly no stranger to emotional ups and downs! 😂

For me, football is about much more than winning. It’s about teamwork, friendship, improving confidence, supporting mental wellbeing and making sure everyone feels they belong.

Ultimately, I want to help people believe in themselves, celebrate their differences and enjoy being part of something positive. If I can make a difference while having a laugh along the way, even better!

Why I joined FCI:
I joined FCI because it’s such an amazing, supportive team where everyone is welcome, with absolutely no judgement or pressure. It’s a place where you can come along, have fun, be yourself and enjoy football regardless of your ability.

For me, FCI is also a brilliant way to look after my mental health, build confidence, make new friendships and feel part of something positive. Playing football has given me a space where I can just be me, have a laugh and enjoy being part of a team.

I also live with a chronic invisible illness, ulcerative colitis, and there can be challenges that people don’t always see or understand. Being able to play football while managing this is something I’m really proud of. It’s a reminder that having an invisible illness doesn’t have to stop you from doing the things you love. Some days are harder than others, but the support and understanding at FCI make such a difference.

I’m also passionate about raising awareness of Crohn’s & Colitis UK, because living with an invisible illness can be challenging both physically and mentally. I hope that by talking openly about it, I can help others feel less alone and encourage people to understand that you never truly know what someone else may be dealing with behind the scenes.

The support, laughs and friendships make FCI feel like much more than just a football club — it’s a community. 💙⚽

Favourite Team: Birmingham City 💙

Position: Defence — I have absolutely no ability other than hoofing the ball as far away as possible… but I do it with a smile! 😂⚽

Without judgement. Without pressure. Just football, friendship and being part of something positive. 🥰

I joined because I wanted to be part of something that put the fun, friendship and inclusivity back into football.

I’d previously played in groups where toxic masculinity could take over and make football feel more competitive and intimidating than it needed to be. I’ve always struggled with confidence, anxiety and feeling like I didn’t quite fit into bigger groups or teams, so creating a space where everyone can feel welcome, be themselves and simply enjoy playing football was hugely important to me.

As someone who lives with ADHD, OCD and chronic anxiety, I’m a big believer in talking openly about how we feel. I want everyone at the club to know that if something is worrying them, bothering them or they simply need someone to talk to, I’m always happy to have a chat. There’s no judgement, and nobody should ever feel like they have to deal with something on their own.

And yes, I do dodgy passes. Yes, I lose the ball. Yes, I’ve scored own goals. But most importantly, has anyone ever made me feel bad because of any of it? No. We laugh it off, pick ourselves back up and keep playing.

That’s exactly what I love about this club. It’s not about being the best player on the pitch. It’s about turning up, having fun, supporting each other and creating an environment where everyone can enjoy the beautiful game without worrying about being judged.

Coming together for just an hour each week and seeing the change in people, whether that’s someone becoming more confident, opening up about how they’re feeling or simply having a really good time, is genuinely special.

I’m incredibly proud to help shape the club both on and off the pitch, and even prouder to be part of a group that shows football really can be for everyone.

Position: LW/ST

Favourite team: Manchester United

I got involved with Fylde Coast Inclusive because I’m sick of football being all about egos, gatekeeping and “you’re not quite right for us”. I wanted to help build a club where if you’ve been told you don’t fit in somewhere else, you can finally turn up, kick a ball and actually feel like you belong.

Also, someone might have mentioned there’d be food?

Favourite Team
Blackpool FC.

Position
GK (Goalkeeper).

In goal. Yeah, I’m the one shouting “I’VE GOT IT!” while everyone else crosses their fingers. I’m the class clown in the team, but between the sticks it’s more bravery than banter.

Hi, im Dave 47 years old and lucky enough to still be playing football after knee surgery last year. I look after the equipment/kits and also one of the first aiders in the group.
I love being a part of this group, everyone treats everyone the same, no pressure, no shouting (unless you've scored obviously) and just a general feel good atmosphere where everyone is made to feel welcome.