Football boosts wellbeing of local people

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South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust, which provides mental health and learning disability services to people in Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield, held a five-a-side football tournament at Dewsbury Sports Centre yesterday and the winners were presented with a special trophy by the Trust’s chief executive Steven Michael.

The Good Mood football league was set up to encourage people to get active and meet new people as a way of keeping both their minds and bodies healthy. Both staff and people who use services across the Trust have taken part in the league and yesterday’s matches saw 8 teams competing for the title.

A team from Dewsbury called ‘Access 100’ won the tournament and all 5 players were delighted to be crowned champions. Altaf Dhorat who took part in the tournament said, "I’ve thoroughly enjoyed playing football in the Good Mood league. It’s been really motivating and helped to build up my confidence. It’s also massively improved my fitness levels".

Lee Marriott also played in the league and said, "It’s been great to get a bit of experience playing football. I’ve had loads of fun and met plenty of new people. I’ll definitely continue to play in future tournaments, though maybe for a better team next time!"

League organiser and the Trust’s diversity and equality manager, Aboobaker Bhana said, "The benefits of physical exercise are endless and the ‘good mood’ football league has been an opportunity for people across the Trust to get active, have fun and boost their wellbeing."

Football boosts wellbeing of local people

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