Good Mood Football League kicks off for 2025!
The Good Mood Football League is back for 2025 with the first fixture of the year. The exciting initiative, in partnership with Creative Minds and West Riding County Football Association, was launched in 2023 with the aim to tackle health inequalities and provide physical activity for service users and accompanied by staff. The project recently won the ‘Football Development Award’ at the County FA Recognition Awards ceremony at Wembley Stadium in November 2024.
“The Good Mood League is an amazing collaboration for the West Riding FA with SWYPFT and Creative Minds. The league removes those barriers to participation for individuals with ill mental health and creates a fantastic opportunity for players to play the game they love. The atmosphere around the fixture days is always relaxed and fun, although the competitive spirit remains!
“The success of the league is due in part to the dedicated staff behind the league, who are always looking to create the best experience for those staff and service users who are a part of it. I look forward to seeing the continued success of the league throughout the year.”
Tom Dent – Football development officer, WRCFA
With a new bigger and better format this season, the campaign will include four league-format competitions and the inaugural Good Mood cup being held on dates throughout the year. The first round kicked off at 5SCORE Huddersfield on Thursday 27 February 2025.
“It’s always a fantastic atmosphere at the Good Mood Football League and it’s great see how passionate people are and how dedicated everyone is to be supporting these events.”
Phil Walters – Strategic lead, Creative Minds
With seven teams participating and over 80 people in attendance (including players, coaches, support staff and referees) the day was full of fun, football and friendship, with some prizes awarded on the day. Teams were represented by people who use local NHS services, supported by Trust staff from the Insight teams and partner organisations – Reflections and Huddersfield Town Foundation.
After an action-packed day full of friendly competition and plenty of goals, we caught up with some attendees who shared their thoughts on the event:
“What a first fixture of the year we had in a new venue with new teams. The GML is back bigger and better in 2025 and the participants will no doubt enjoy this years fixtures as the first one was a massive success. The steering group have worked harder than ever to ensure everyone that walks through that door has a wonderful experience and can grow together playing the game they all love.”
Habib Dadhiwala – Support time & recovery worker, SWYPFT
“The Good Mood Football League is great for all involved. It’s more than just playing a tournament, it’s about fostering connections, building confidence and promoting mental and physical health. For every participant, its an opportunity to thrive in a supportive and safe environment. I think it’s a great event and the buzz it creates with our participants is amazing.”
Anthony Munday – Football development coordinator, Huddersfield Town Foundation
“A great setup, brilliant atmosphere and a fantastic platform to hopefully pave the way for other hospitals, organisations and community partners to get involved with over time.”
Paul Crossland – Staff nurse, SWYPFT
Stay tuned for more updates on the upcoming events. For more information, contact Alex Feather on alex.feather1@swyt.nhs.uk
