A new football initiative aimed at promoting inclusion, mental wellbeing and community connection is set to launch this spring as the Mersey Football Therapy Inclusion Tournament gets underway. The tournament features local organisations and is in aid of Fans Supporting Foodbanks.
Organised by Mersey Mind Project men’s mental health charity in partnership with Marine FC, the seven-week tournament begins on Sunday 17th May and culminates in a finals day on Sunday 28th June. The groundbreaking concept bringing together eight organisations from across the region, including teams from the Wirral, Liverpool, Blackpool and Wigan.
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE, REGISTER A TEAM OR DONATE TO FANS SUPPORTING FOODBANKS
More than just a football competition, the tournament has been created to demonstrate how sport can play a powerful role in supporting mental health, reducing social isolation and building stronger communities. Open to players of all abilities, the inclusive competition will provide a safe and welcoming environment where participation, support and connection are just as important as results on the pitch.
Mersey Mind Project believes football can do much more than foster competition — it can build confidence, improve wellbeing and create meaningful opportunities for people to feel part of something positive. Through this new initiative, organisers hope to use the game as a tool for empowerment while breaking down barriers that can prevent people from accessing sport and social support.
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE, REGISTER A TEAM OR DONATE TO FANS SUPPORTING FOODBANKS
Throughout the tournament, teams will compete over seven weeks in a structured programme designed to encourage participation and promote positive mental wellbeing. Organisations competing are Mersey Mind Project, Strong Football Club, Rover & Out, Talking Toffees, Place 2 Place, Wirral MvF Fc, Man V Fat and The Jade L Roberts Project.
Chris Guy from Mersey Mind Project said: “As a men’s mental health charity we’ve been running Football Therapy — free football sessions for local men to improve their mental and physical health and combat isolation. This new tournament in partnership with Marine FC is another commitment to inclusion through sport, offering players a supportive setting where they can develop friendships and improve confidence.”
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE, REGISTER A TEAM OR DONATE TO FANS SUPPORTING FOODBANKS
The competition will also support Fans Supporting Foodbanks — a joint initiative between Liverpool and Everton FC fans to tackle food poverty. The tournament promises to be a celebration of grassroots football and the unifying power of sport, with organisers hoping it will not only create memorable moments on the pitch, but also leave a lasting legacy in the communities taking part.
Dave Martin from Marine FC said: “By combining structured football opportunities with a strong focus on wellbeing and inclusion, the Mersey Football Therapy Inclusion Tournament represents a fresh and inspiring approach to community sport. We’re honoured to host the tournament at our club, as we have a strong focus on community and wellbeing.”
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE, REGISTER A TEAM OR DONATE TO FANS SUPPORTING FOODBANKS
As anticipation builds for kick-off on 17th May, the message behind the tournament is clear: football belongs to everyone, and through inclusion, support and teamwork, the game can help change lives. Anyone interested in getting involved as a team or sponsoring the event can contact Chris Guy at Mersey Mind Project.
Mersey Football Therapy Inclusion Tournament / Marine FC / 17th May — 28th June 2026
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE, REGISTER A TEAM OR DONATE TO FANS SUPPORTING FOODBANKS
To get involved as a team or to sponsor the tournament email chris@merseymindproject.co.uk
