BCHA Football Club

The Pitch

Problem statement

BCHA support local people who experience homelessness, substance misuse, unemployment & poor mental health. Many of our customers face multiple socio-economic challenges and struggle to access mainstream services due to their circumstances, feeding a revolving cycle of trauma. We recognise that physical activities can significantly help our customers to improve their outcomes. Sport England report “Being physically active can improve mood, decrease the chance of depression and anxiety and lead to a better and more balanced lifestyle”. Additionally, community integration and sense of belonging in being part of a team. BCHA’s FC is open to anyone, we welcome those who others may turn away.

Solution

BCHA FC was formed 15 years ago - part of South Wessex Churches Football League. Ongoing today with a committed team, it provides support through physical activity, benefitting the health and mental well-being of players experiencing multiple disadvantage. We seek to develop our offer by providing greater learning opportunities, improving training and increasing professionalism. Item/cost/impact Branded training kits - £1,800 – Warm appropriate training apparel, more professional appearance, sense of team Training equipment (manikins, hurdles, cones, bids) - £500 – improve quality of training Referee training courses – plus travel (x 3) - £690 – professional development opportunity

Why are we best placed to deliver?

For 50 years, BCHA have been delivering high quality support to those in our communities impacted by socio-economic disadvantages. We have seen first-hand the many barriers our customers face in accessing community and mainstream services. For 15 years, we have responded to this by running the BCHA FC, passionately advocating for customers, encouraging and welcoming their participation as part of a team. Team coach is a BCHA colleague with UEFA B Licence. With fresh funding, we can elevate our offer, rewarding our committed players and inspiring new membership. At BCHA FC we practice complete tolerance and equality, celebrate our shared goals and focus on moving as a team.

Focus Areas

Delivery plan

Budget breakdown

Beneficiaries

20 people

Expected impact

For 15 years, BCHA FC has been offering an inclusive outlet for physical and mental stimulation to those with a shared background of trauma and disadvantage. This club is so much more than football; it is a community that promotes equal opportunity. One player, who with BCHA’s help was supported with somewhere to live after being homeless, said of the club: “Playing in the team alongside the good friends I have made gave me the motivation I needed to improve my life.” Another player who was homeless for two years after becoming estranged from his father, said the club “helped me with my confidence. It's helped me work with relationships, helped me be positive about things and have better mental health as well”. Through funding we can enhance our offer: Providing referee courses to 3 players to support their development in something meaningful to them. Branded training kits enhance professional appearance and sense of team Better equipment will improve training quality

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