AFC in the Community delighted to be invovled

Grampian Strikers Football Team, is a group is primarily for people with a severe and enduring mental illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive or anxiety disorders. After 11 years in existence, over 70 people have used the group with some members still involved from the start. Many more have gone on to employment, study and developed thier own independant living. This is a joint venture organised and co-ordinated by staff from NHS Grampian and Aberdeenshire Council.

Community Psychiatric Nurse and founder member of Grampian Strikers, Russell Brimklow said: “We have had people from almost every area in Aberdeenshire and also have female members. We have played 11-a-side matches against similar groups and groups of staff from Royal Cornhill Hospital. We attend a 5-a-side competition in Hamilton every October during Mental Health Week and have reached the semi-finals on three occasions.

“Sport and activity can play a big part in the recovery of mental illnesses. We are thrilled to be involved with Aberdeen Football Club’s community coaching team and we hope that this will spur us on to a great result during on our next trip to the Hamilton tournament.”

AFC have offered some coaching sessions to Grampian Strikers Football Team prior to, and after, the yearly visit to their 5 a side tournament during Mental Health week. Community Coach, Scott Anderson, visited them on Wednesday at one of their sessions at Goals Soccer Centre and will be giving them a coaching session next Wednesday.