RECOVERY MONTH
THE BEAUTIFUL GAME
At one of our monthly national Connecting Communities forums it was suggested that Change Grow Live services , alongside our partners Bounce Back , should organise a national five-a-side football tournament . This idea was spawned from a successful South East regional tournament in 2022 , and we decided that it would fit in with our Recovery Month celebrations .
We wanted to offer people of all genders and abilities who use our services , as well as our staff and volunteers , the opportunity to be part of a team sport . We wanted to make it inclusive and fun for all .
TURNING UP THE HEAT We split the country into three regions – the South , the Midlands , and the North – to host regional heats . We partnered with Powerleague , a national football organisation , to host a five-a-side tournament .
We had a fantastic turnout for the heats in August , with more than 600 people attending in total . Thirty-six services registered an interest , and out of those , we created 42 teams – which was well over what we ever expected . Around 300 people attended the southern heats , 180
Woody Albrow shares how a football tournament brought staff and service users together during Recovery Month
in the Midlands and 150 in the northern heats . It was a great day and there was some fierce competition , but overall a lot of fun was had . One service user said , ‘ It ’ s the first time since I can remember that I ' ve felt like a normal person and fitted in .’
The labels were left aside , and it was a day of connection and of coming together of different people from different backgrounds , enjoying a team sport . ‘ You don ’ t know who anyone is , no judgements , everyone ' s just a bod playing a game and having fun ,’ said another player .
THE FINALS On Friday 22 September , the 12 teams who qualified from the three regions arrived in Birmingham to compete to be Change Grow Live ’ s first National Recovery Month football champions .
Teams travelled from as far as Sunderland and Croydon . We had a great turn out of around 250 people , with each service bringing about 20 individuals . The 12 teams battled it out until the grand final between the Birmingham and Gloucester services .
It was a tough final match at the end of a very competitive day . The final score was 1-4 and Gloucester were crowned as our
‘ It ’ s been so good to be part of it , I can ’ t compliment it enough . Twentyfive years of drug taking and now , thanks to CGL , life is the best it ’ s been .’
well-earned Recovery Month national football champions .
The presentations and trophies followed with an outpouring of joy . Even though there were a few disappointments , overwhelmingly there was a sense of elation and camaraderie between everyone .
The tournament promoted our values of fun and inclusion , and participants experienced these through the connections they made . We enjoyed so much positivity on the day and people were already talking about how they were looking forward to next year ’ s event .
Dave , a service user from Manchester said , ‘ Fifty-five days ago , I was sitting in a full bath holding a kettle – I didn ’ t want to live . Thanks to CGL and things like this football tournament , I am now living my best life .’
Our vision is to grow the event year-on-year and explore how we can open our door to other services and local community groups . We will pursue our desire to partner our services with local football clubs and grow those that already have connections .
Football is a powerful tool which can enable someone to fit in and engage where other attempts and methods have failed . One player said of their experience , ‘ When I play football , it makes me feel so good , I get into the zone and can forget my worries . This tournament has helped me to be with others .’
We envisage this event to be a key part of Change Grow Live ’ s annual Recovery Month celebration .
Sean from Birmingham summed up the day : ‘ This tournament has given me a lot of confidence , I ' ve enjoyed the camaraderie so much . It ’ s been so good to be part of it , I can ’ t compliment it enough . Twentyfive years of drug taking and now , thanks to CGL , life is the best it ’ s been .’
We ’ d like to give special thanks to coordinators Sabbir , Lydia , Marco and Bernie , our partners Bounce Back , our hosts Powerleague , all of our football captains and , of course , the players and supporters .
Woody Albrow is national connecting communities lead at Change Grow Live .
Pictured : Team Gloucester , Recovery Month Football Champions
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