Football for Heroes
Wiltshire FA have partnered with armed forces charity, Help for Heroes, to support the delivery of a two-day Wellbeing Programme for wounded, injured and sick personnel, veterans and their families at Tedworth House Recovery Centre.
Tedworth House is the Help for Heroes centre for recovery in the South. The fully equipped centre, with 46 suites, kitchen, lounges, gym and garden, offers residents and day visitors opportunities to take part in activities and life skills courses to help them get back to what they love doing.
Lyndon Taylor, Football Development Officer at Wiltshire FA said, “This has been a great opportunity to work with a fantastic charity. The support Help for Heroes gives to soldiers who are wounded in service is amazing and we are delighted to be able to support the recovery programme with football.”
Wiltshire FA is the not-for-profit, governing body of football in Wiltshire. The organisation aims to develop, support and grow the game throughout the County to ensure there is high quality grassroots football available for all.
The two-day programme includes taster sessions of different versions of the game including small-sided football, futsal and walking football as well as information about opportunities in the industry such as coaching, refereeing and volunteering. The programme also welcomes inspirational England blind footballer and Paralympian, Darren Harris, who will offer a unique insight into sport, resilience, success and positive changes.
Help for Heroes provides lifetime support to those wounded in the service of their country. Every course and activity offered aims to empower people to look beyond illness and injury, regain their purpose and reach their potential.
Paul Randall, Recovery Manager for the South, from Help for Heroes said, “Our recovery programme offers activities and opportunities for personnel to improve independence, raise moral and develop camaraderie with others who may have been through similar experiences. It is all about inspiring those who have been wounded, injured or become sick to lead independent, active and fulfilling lives.”
Participation in football, whether playing, coaching, refereeing or volunteering, can radically improve the quality of people’s lives. Last year The FA released a report highlighting the social wellbeing value of grassroots football, which stated people involved in football reported significantly higher levels of general health, confidence and motivation.
Lyndon continues, “Football is a great tool in aiding recovery. As well as the obvious physical health benefits, football can also improve mental health and deliver social inclusion by breaking isolation and offering opportunities for people to engage in their communities.
“Football has a uniting force in society, it offers a great platform for people to support each other and become stronger after setbacks.”
Wiltshire FA deliver and support programmes to inspire people to take part in football making sure there are enjoyable and accessible opportunities for all.
