12 months ago today, the Gloucestershire FA (GFA) and Bristol Rovers Community Trust (BRCT) delivered the first 'Rebound With Rovers' mental health football session.

12 months later, we checked back in to see how the sessions have grown.

The GFA and BRCT partnered together to deliver sessions aimed at individuals who were struggling with their mental health, needed support but enjoying and becoming physically fit/active.

Two football sessions are hosted each week, consisting of playing an hour-long football game and followed by a ‘Check-In’ chat. The ‘Check-In’ gives participants an opportunity to discuss any of their concerns or share their progress with Costa Chard, BRCT fully qualified football coach and mental health first-aider.

The first Rebound with Rovers mental health football session was hosted on the 3 November 2021, and it was attended by one participant. Since its inception, the sessions have grown and is now regularly attended with the number of participants in the double-figures.

The GFA recently attend one of the sessions to see the growth with our own eyes, get insights from the participants and Costa and speak to the very first individual who attend and still does to this day!

If you’re interested in attending a Rebound with Rovers session or want to find out more information, contact info@bristolroverscommunity.org.uk.