Footballing staff and patients came together recently to play a mental health match in a bid to raise awareness of the benefits of exercise.

Two St Andrew’s Healthcare teams took part in a six-a-side tournament at the Cobblers ground in Northampton.

A total of 10 teams played in the event and all players were from a mental health service from within the Midlands area.

Russell Lewis, the Disability Officer for Northampton Town Football Club Community Trust oversaw the event.

He said: “Football is a glorious sport as it can really unite people. It’s really quite amazing how the sport can bring people together. We wanted to find a way to bring together all the regional mental health services, to help promote what they do and to encourage people to have more open conversations about their mental health, which is why we decided to host the tournament.

“The mental health match was a complete success with some healthy competition and lots of support on the sidelines. Well done to everyone who came along and took part.”

Senior Occupational Therapist Craig Newman from St Andrew’s Healthcare, who took to the pitch on the day, said: “Around 40 St Andrew’s Healthcare staff and patients attended and it really was a great day.

“Both teams played with excellent commitment, enthusiasm and skill and all who came along made St Andrew’s very proud.

“One of our teams even made the final which was thrilling to watch and highly competitive. Sadly,  we narrowly lost to the Recovery House, who played excellently and deserved the title.”