To celebrate World Health Day, which took place on Tuesday 7th April, we are proud to highlight the wide range of health programmes and initiatives delivered daily by the Walsall FC Foundation. These initiatives aim not only to improve the physical wellbeing of participants, but also to support and enhance mental health.
Throughout 2025 and 2026, the Health and Wellbeing sector has experienced significant growth. Most notably, through the launch of a collaboration with MindKind Projects and Mettaminds, which has helped establish the Men’s Wellbeing Alliance.
This initiative brings together individuals and organisations working collaboratively to connect men living and working in Walsall with existing support networks. Its aim is to raise awareness of available services and ensure individuals can access the help they need.
In November 2025, members of the Men’s Wellbeing Alliance attended the Walsall V Colchester United fixture, engaging with supporters and providing information about the Alliance and how it can support them.
To further extend our mental health provision, our Beat the Block sessions run regularly, offering participants a safe and welcoming space to play football, feel part of a community, and build relationships. These connections provide valuable opportunities for peer-to-peer support. The sessions are supported by Hayward Transport, and we are grateful for their continued support, which allows us to deliver vital services to the people of Walsall.
Back On Your Feet, the Foundation’s employability programme, is designed to support people of all working ages into employment, training, or further education. We have found that returning to work improves not only participants’ physical health, but also their mental wellbeing.
Gaining employment and a stable income enables individuals to live healthier lifestyles, providing access to opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach.
The Health and Wellbeing sector also supports the physical health of many people across the Borough. Joy of moving is a project delivered in primary schools throughout Walsall, combining education on the importance of a healthy, balanced lifestyle with engaging physical activity.
Throughout the week, we also deliver recreational sessions that give participants of all ages the opportunity to play football, stay active, and build meaningful connections with others in their community. This includes football sessions on Monday and Friday nights, as well as Walking Football for those aged 50+ on Tuesday mornings and Friday evenings, encouraging people of all ages to get active.
To find out more about our Health projects, visit page 14-19 of our Annual Report: https://walsallfcfoundation.com/WalsallFC/2025/Annual-report-2025.html
For further details or to get involved in any of our health sessions, please contact chris.springthorpe@walsallfcfoundation.co.uk.
