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As the tackles fly in, no quarter is asked or given. The air (what there is) of the indoor arena is filled with anguished cries of "Come on!" and "Referee!" The sweating just about outweighs the swearing. Just another typical six-a-side football tournament. And that is exactly what it is. Only this time the teams are not only from all over the north west of England but are made up of mental health service users and workers.

In its third year, the annual tournament held on world mental health day at the JJB Soccerdome, Trafford, attracted teams from Salford, Stockport, Oldham and Blackpool.

It is organised by two voluntary sector workers: Paul Evans (Trafford Association of Mental Health) and Paddy McIlroy (The Bridge Project, Trafford). "Simply asking people what they wanted to do and what they liked," says McIlroy, "football and sports came up again and again. We started playing our own drop-in five-a-side once a week."

And it developed from there. One or two teams would join in and a competition was born. It was founded on the belief, according to Evans, "that it isn't about your illness or your disability - it's about your abilities, interests and common ground. The first year [2000] we had 20 teams. It was mind-blowing."

Football can act as a turnstile for services: "There's a lot of people out there struggling who don't use services - not traditionally-based ones. A more inclusive approach to work will help those people engage," says Evans. One client, Michael English, says that if it wasn't for football he'd be sitting in the pub all day "like I used to." Football contacts have meant that he now lives in a shared house, "which I've never done before. I've got all the help I need now," he adds.

"Mental health and physical health go hand-in-hand," says Michael McShane of Blackpool Mind centre. "We take part in a lot of activities - football, badminton, swimming. We have found a big improvement in our members' well-being if they take part in sport. Coming here, the camaraderie is brilliant."

Graham Houldsworth, community mental health support team, Blackpool, agrees: "It's about friendships and reducing isolation, really. Today is the fruition of effective networking," he says. Group therapist Mike Alleyne adds: "Whatever the results today, you feel a part of it, you feel valued. There's a real sense of belonging."

For some, football has also provided a channel for responsibility. "Our drop-in scheme grew out of a social services day centre which stopped football," says Kevin Corran, Cromwell mental health centre, Salford, "but there was still a need. So we helped the clients to run it themselves - which they now do. It is also a chance to meet up with their mates once a week."


Football, as with most competitive team sports, can also bring refreshingly strong social benefits. "You look at Saturday or Sunday league football - the social side is as important as the actually playing," says Evans.

Crucially football provides a break for users - from services, hassle and day-to-day grind. "As far as I'm concerned if something enhances your day - it's good for your mental health," says Evans.

"I find myself as a worker looking for evaluations from participants saying the football we organise is therapeutic or whatever, but it's such a screech when you have someone saying, 'The referee was a bastard and was 10 yards behind play'. But that's what it meant for them," he laughs.

As well as a regular league being set up, 15 users and workers from Salford, Manchester and Trafford recently went over to Larne, Northern Ireland to play a short tour.

Evans has heard that there are similar teams in Italy. The mental health European Champions league can't be too far away. Are you watching, Des Lynam?

- For more information contact Paul Evans on 07960 581974

Background

Scheme: World mental health day six-a-side football shield.

Location: Trafford, Greater Manchester.

Staffing: Within existing resources.

Inspiration: User-led involvement

Cost: The tournament is funded through a £25 a team fee and funding from world mental health day.