Men's Health week: Morgan Case Study

Since launching, the “Come for a Kick About?” sessions have had a hugely positive impact on participants. One person who has particularly benefited is Morgan, who has been attending since March 2025.

Finding the Sessions at the Right Time

Morgan first heard about the sessions through a friend who suggested coming along for football and a mental health chat. At the time, he was going through a difficult period mentally and wasn’t sure what to expect.

“My first session came at a tough period for myself mentally. It was something I knew I needed but didn’t know what to think of it. With some convincing from friends, I took the leap, enjoyed the football and felt immediately comfortable to share during my first chat session.”

Realising It’s Okay Not to Be Okay

Although Morgan describes himself as confident and outgoing, the sessions helped him recognise that he had been masking how he was really feeling.

“The sessions have helped me realise it’s okay not to be okay. These sessions have helped me blow off steam when needed, have fun and enjoy the game we all love with some great people. But most importantly, it’s given me a space to share my personality and hopefully bring a positive impact to my peers.”

Making Life Changes and Building Resilience

Through open conversations with others in the group, Morgan began to reflect on how work stress was affecting his home life. This ultimately led to a significant decision to change career direction in order to improve his wellbeing.

He explains that the support from peers and staff has continued to help him stay resilient as he balances work, family life, and personal wellbeing.

Friendships That Go Beyond the Sessions

One of the biggest impacts for Morgan has been the friendships formed through the group. These connections extend well beyond Monday nights, creating a wider support network in everyday life. He also highlighted how the sessions have grown, creating opportunities for more people to get involved through an ETS 11-a-side team that plays other local charity teams and supports wider causes.

Physical Health Improvements

Alongside the mental health benefits, Morgan has seen a significant improvement in his physical health since joining the sessions.

“100%. A combination of my new job and playing football weekly, I have dropped five stone in five months. I now feel more fit and confident. I can run for longer, I’m more physically active and my body is able to play football multiple times a week.”

Overall Impact on Wellbeing

Morgan says his overall mental and physical wellbeing is now in a much stronger place than before he joined the sessions. He also feels more able to communicate with those closest to him and manage stressful situations in a healthier way.

“I’d be lying if I said I’m always 100% tip top, but we all have our days, some up and some down and that is fine. But I can say that in general I am in such a better place mentally and physically than what I was before I started attending.”

A Supportive Environment

For Morgan, one of the most important parts of the sessions is the safe, judgement-free space they create. It allows him to open up, connect with others, and enjoy football in a relaxed environment.

“There are a lot of things I love about the sessions, from playing football, to seeing good friends every week and being able to open up and be vulnerable in a judgement-free and caring environment. But mainly I just love letting off steam and having a good laugh while pretending I can kick a ball.”

Closing Reflection

Morgan was full of praise for the impact the sessions have had on his life and the people involved in delivering them.

“These sessions with ETS and the Community Trust have really helped me and made my life better. The Community Trust guys truly are great people and their hard work and dedication is what makes these sessions great.”