United Cornwall FC offer inclusive football sessions for Newquay residents

United Cornwall FC created 578 social footballing experiences for 50 adults in Newquay, offering inclusive, mixed-gender and mixed-ability football sessions. The projectA piece of work that delivers an output., supported by funding from the Headland Community FundA sum of money made available for grant making, often with specific criteria/conditions., helped participants improve their mental health and build important social support networks.

Impact

The weekly sessions were offered on a pay as you can basis, ensuring financial constraints were not a barrier to participation. This approach created a truly inclusive environment where adults of all backgrounds could benefit from physical activity and social connection.

Ian’s Story

Before
Lacking confidence and social connections. Ian had taken a few years away from football due to family commitments and was hesitant to return to the sport he loved.

How the project helped
The weekly United Cornwall FC sessions provided Ian with a supportive environment to rebuild
his football skills and confidence. The inclusive nature of the sessions meant he could participate regardless of skill level.

OutcomeAn outcome is the impact of a change. Outcomes measure impact by how much it affects society.
With growing confidence from the UCFC sessions, Ian was able to join a competitive league team and now plays regularly both with UCFC during the week and competitively on weekends.

Feedback

After completion of the sessions, Cornwall Mind received the below feedback:

“The sessions and friendlies that UCFC put on have given me the confidence to join a Saturday 11-aside team knowing that I’d be able to keep up and not look silly. Without UCFC, I wouldn’t have found a team, let alone have the confidence to ask to join in.” – Ian, UCFC Player

“The sessions really make a difference to people. The football gives an initial reason to go. The people make the difference though.” – UCFC Player

About the Funder

The Headland Hotel Community fund offers opportunities to grassroots community and voluntary groups in Newquay. To learn more about The Headland Hotel, visit: The Headland.

If you are a community group looking for funding, please view our available grants: Applying for a grant.

If you are looking to support the Cornwall Community Foundation with a donation, click here: Online payment – Cornwall Community Foundation