Football on prescription
A ground breaking new initiative is using the beautiful game to tackle loneliness and support mental health.
Football on Prescription is a pilot scheme across 12 GP surgeries near Forest Green Rovers’ New Lawn stadium in Nailsworth. The club are donating tickets to their matches, which can be prescribed by GPs to patients with mild to moderate depression instead of antidepressants.
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The scheme was launched by Ecotricity founder and owner of Forest Green Rovers, Dale Vince, alongside the MP for Stroud, Dr. Simon Opher.
Dale Vince explains the thinking behind it: “The leading cause of death in men under 50 is now suicide and loneliness is often a key factor. If a Saturday afternoon at a football match can help someone feel more connected and less alone, that’s a powerful first step.” and Stroud Walking Football, offers people over 50 the chance to get active, get social and feel better — one slow-paced kickabout at a time.
Social prescribing that links patients to community activities in sport, arts or nature is being successfully implemented worldwide. Seen this way, a match ticket is more than an afternoon’s entertainment – it’s about giving people a reason to get out and connect with others.
Research shows that physical activity improves mental health and community connection reduces feelings of loneliness but for many people, especially those facing isolation or mild mental health challenges, starting a new activity can feel daunting.
Walking football provide a friendly, welcoming way back into exercise, while five-a-side sessions are better suited for those with a good level of fitness….
READ MORE at source: https://ecotricity.co.uk/our-news/2025/football-on-prescription-tackling-loneliness-and-mental-health-one-pass-at-a-time
FURTHER INFO FROM WE CAN MOVE: https://wecanmove.net/football-on-prescription/
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Author: The Walking Football
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