Football Focus has cast a spotlight on the brilliant work being carried out by a Co Down football club.
FC Mindwell was set up during lockdown and is Northern Ireland’s first football club dedicated to helping people with mental health.
The club was launched amid the Covid-19 pandemic back in 2020, with former Northern Ireland international Keith Gillespie heavily involved alongside ex-Liverpool and England goalkeeper Chris Kirkland who is a club ambassador.
Read more: Northern Ireland fans send out appeal ahead of European qualifier
The club is seeking its third promotion on the bounce, and currently sits third in Division Two of the Mid Ulster Football League with games in hand over the teams above them.
But while the team continues to deliver results on the pitch, it is also driving the important message of men’s mental health.
Former Manchester United and Northern Ireland winger Gillespie told Saturday's Football Focus: "We were talking during lockdown and just thought it would be a great idea to help people who have maybe suffered mental health problems, drink, gambling, drugs.
"And for 90 minutes on a Saturday they can go out there and forget about it. And then one thing progressed to another and we formed our own team."
The programme also featured an interview with player/coach Paul Walsh who spoke about his own personal journey.
He said: "This club is different in so many ways. For people looking in it might not look like that, but when you're in the club it is a safe place.
"If you have any problems or struggling in any way, those boys are there for you."
FC Mindwell manager David Dawson also spoke of his pride in being involved with the club.
"It means a lot to me, it is a fantastic project," he said.
"It is something very close to my heart and means a lot to the people of the community. It is a club like no other."
Gillespie - who has previously spoken about his own struggles with gambling addiction - added: "Everyone in every day life suffers at some stage with mental health.
"Footballers are obviously seen as these heroes, and if they do talk about it it does help people."
READ NEXT:
Northern Ireland player ratings from Euro 2024 qualifier win over San Marino
William Dunlop was travelling at up to 170mph when he crashed, inquest hears
From Nottingham 'villain' to Belfast hero, Conlan ready to realise dream
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.
