BARNSLEY will be hosting the world cup of mental health football next week.
In total 26 teams from five different countries will be playing at Oakwell in the EASI World Cup (European Association for Sport and Social Integration.)
EASI is made up of health and community groups from across Europe who help promote sport to improve the well-being of people with mental health issues and learning disabilities.
It’s the first time it has come to Barnsley and only the second time it has been held in the UK, and will bring hundreds of players, coaching staff and spectators from all over Europe to the borough.
The event is organised by South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust as well as Rotherham and Barnsley Mind, Barnsley FC, Reds in the Community and Sheffield and Hallamshire County FA.
It comes as new research contributed to by SWIFT suggests that football can have major benefits to men’s mental health.
Spectators are welcome and the event is open to everyone - not just those with mental health issues.
“As well as all the football there’s lots of other activities for people to get involved with,” said Hannah Burton, physical activity lead for SWIFT. “We’ve got tag rugby, cricket, table tennis, arts and crafts, and a variety of health and well-being activities.
“We want to see more sport and physical activities prescribed as an addition or an alternatives to medication, not just to treat but to prevent as well.”
It’s taking place at the training academy at Oakwell on Tuesday from 9.15 until 5pm, and on Thursday from 9.30 until 5.30, with the final taking place at 4.30pm.
