Surrey FA to hold a free football session to local businesses and residents to get active on the most depressing day of the year.

January 20th is officially recognised as the most depressing day of the year. To raise awareness of the benefits of exercise on mental health, Surrey FA shall be holding a recreational lunchtime football session at Meadowbank Football Ground.

The format of the event will see games take place between 12:30pm until 1:30pm, to fit into lunch breaks. The flexible nature of the session means that attendees are free to participate for as much or little as they would like to on the day.

Those attending the session will listen to a brief talk from local mental health charity Mary Frances Trust, who will provide key figures and information on mental health conditions as well as signposting attendees towards helpful resources and organisations who can provide support. 

The session has been to designed to be accessible to all. Whether you’re a regular player or picking up a pair of football boots for the first time, the organisation is inviting people of all genders over the age of 16 of any ability to participate. There will be small-sided pitches for five-a-side football, in addition to walking football. Walking football is an accessible format of the game which is well suited to older players or those who may be less experienced on the football pitch. All games will be officiated by qualified Surrey FA referees.

Tamsyn Woodman, Surrey FA Football Development Officer (Disability) commented,

“The benefits of regular exercise to both mental and physical health are huge. We hope that our Blue Monday football session will help in not only getting our local community active but will also better inform them of the support which is available. We are delighted to have Mary Frances Trust in attendance at the event, to highlight the potentially lifesaving support available and to offer their expertise.”

John O’Malley, Mary Frances Trust’s Mole Valley Area Coordinator, added, “Physical health and mental health are very closely linked, with statistics proving that if you are experiencing poor mental health there is a higher chance you also have poor physical health, and vice versa. Football, and sport in general, have undeniable benefits to someone’s mental health: it lowers stress and anxiety levels; improves confidence; and increases social interaction which in turn lowers the risk of depression.”

Those who would like to attend can visit http://bit.ly/BlueMondaySFA and complete the short sign up form to register.