Taylor Stevenson had got in touch to offer MHFC their full box for the Lincoln friendly on Saturday.
As it held 17 people, but more importantly it was a friendly, I thought it would be a perfect occasion to invite people who run local mental health companies and along with their kids, some of which struggle in busy and loud environments (but of course, all loved football).
We had such a great mix of people and kids, all got on very well, socialising and supporting each other and each other’s kids really well.
Everyone loved their meals and the excitement for the match started to build as the kids saw some of the players coming out for a pre-match walk around the pitch.
As the game got going, it was great to see everyone together and watching the game, but it did become apparent how much the ability to head back inside for more quiet time and darker room as and when needed was valued.
Claire (the fantastic lady who runs the executive box hospitality on match day), went above and beyond for the kids in our box, making sure they were always ok and even took them to see the old trophies and memorabilia in the Directors lounge, thank you Claire.
After the game, everyone went to see the man of the match presentation, with Leon Ayinde being named.
I was slightly gutted that there was no stadium tour for the kids to go on, as they would’ve loved that and it would’ve been the cherry on the cake, but either way, that absolutely loved their day.
A massive thank you to Taylor Stevenson for the hospitality.
Thank you to Kev for helping organise the experience from MHFC’s side and taking some stress away, and also Tim for supporting me and helping to keep things flowing.
Unfortunately, the days leading up to the match I was quite ill, I was improving and also determined to be there to see everyone, I lasted until half time and then had to get home, I wasn’t feeling great at all.
But, reading the below feedback was incredibly powerful and reminded me of why I do these experiences and surprises for people……
“I just wanted to thank you again for your kind invitation, today’s experience was fantastic and the day was spent with some great people.
Rhys has never watched a football match in a stadium before, the environment provided today made the perfect opportunity for Rhys to access an experience which otherwise may be too overwhelming.
I’m so grateful for this opportunity which has allowed having a controlled ‘safe space’ where he could step-in and out of as he wished which allowed for us to watch a football match as a family ❤️
The kids were fantastic today, it was lovely to see them all enjoying the match and bonding over digital devices 😂
You are creating so many positive experiences… more than I think you realise.”
⁃ Vicky
“A huge thank you to Ryan.
After our family recently went through a really difficult time, Ryan kindly arranged for my son and me to attend a Doncaster Rovers match in a hospitality box.
This was Jaxson’s very first football match. He absolutely loves watching football on TV and playing it himself, but we’ve always been cautious about taking him to a live game because of the overwhelming sensory stimulation.
Thanks to Ryan’s kindness, Jaxson was able to experience football in a calm, supportive environment surrounded by amazing people. He could enjoy the match, step away whenever he needed to, and take everything at his own pace.
He was even shown around, got to see the trophies, and experienced the Man of the Match presentation without the crowds or overwhelming atmosphere.
Seeing his smile and watching him enjoy something we’ve always worried might be too much was incredibly special.
I can’t thank Ryan enough for making this possible and giving Jaxson such a positive first football experience. It truly meant the world to us.
Ryan is doing incredible work and is always thinking of others and how he can support them. Even while facing his own battles, he continues to find ways to make a difference, strengthen the community, and create opportunities for others.
You are an inspiration, Ryan. You should be incredibly proud of everything you’ve achieved so far, and I’m certain this is only the beginning. Thank you for everything you do. ❤️⚽”
⁃ Debbie
“A absolute pleasure to attend the Doncaster Rovers v Lincoln City friendly by kind invitation of Ryan Oldfield MHFC.
Taylor Stevenson gifted their hospitality box allowing all those attending to feel relaxed and away from the crowds
A few of the children felt a little overwhelmed and apprehensive prior to the match but soon felt settled and gained an interest in the match.
There were familiar faces and also an opportunity to make new friends.
A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.”
⁃ Tim
‘MHFC EXPERIENCES’ and ‘MHFC SURPRISES’ are something we hope to do more of in the future, it could be tickets to a game, hospitality, meet and greet, signed merch, stadium tour, football kit or equipment, or anything else we could sort for the MHFC community members or anyone else we hear about.
The more we can do for people, the better and give as many different people as many different opportunities and experiences as possible to give them a mental boost 🤞🙏
Maybe something they’ve never been able to attend before, but we can give them that opportunity 💚
‼️If anyone has any links or contacts to people at sports clubs that could help us provide these experiences, please get in touch 😊
You can read about previous MHFC Experiences here https://www.mentalhealthfc.org/category/mhfc-experiences/
You can read about previous MHFC Surprises here https://www.mentalhealthfc.org/category/mhfc-surprises/
If anyone or companies would like to support, donate to or sponsor MHFC please get in touch at hello@mentalhealthfc.org
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IMPROVING MENTAL HEALTH THROUGH FOOTBALL ⚽️💚
EVERYONE WELCOMED & SUPPORTED
#MHFC #MentalHealthFC #MentalHealthMatters
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