The theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week (13 – 19 May 2024) is Moving More for our Mental Health. As part of our campaign, we spoke with our Student Wellbeing Manager and Staff Football Club organiser, Jon Jerrome, about how the football club helps University of Bristol staff to move more. The club recently launched its first ever member survey with a view of understanding the impact of Staff Football, particularly on the wellbeing of it’s players. Here is Jon’s summary of the results.
Described as a “perfect combination of exercise, well-spirited competitiveness and social cohesion”, the Staff Football Club is a thriving University community which offers regular 5-a-side and 11-a-side games.
Doing something fun at lunchtimes, the consistency of games and the friendly atmosphere were just some of the many benefits cited in a recent survey of players. And it’s not just the opportunity to play a beautiful game which makes the club so special, with the positive impact on wellbeing widely referred to by members of the community.
Enabling positive wellbeing at work
The link between physical activity, connecting with others and positive wellbeing is well established, with Staff Football providing ample opportunity for both. The impact is highlighted in the 98% of players who agreed that Staff Football contributes to their positive wellbeing at work. The opportunity to break from the working day was noted by one player who stated that a benefit was “taking my mind totally off work during lunch”.
Connecting with colleagues and making friends
With over 360 individuals on our mailing lists, there is plenty of opportunity to get to meet colleagues from across the University. One player stated that “I’ve really enjoyed meeting people from across the university who I wouldn’t normally come into contact with”. Three quarters of players agreed that they’ve been able to form connections with colleagues as a result of playing games.
Enabling regular exercise
Whether it’s a 45-minute lunchtime kickabout or 90-minute evening game, new members often report a significant improvement in their fitness and exercise levels. Last year the club organised 245 lunchtime 5-a-side games and 47 11-a-side evening games which involved hundreds of colleagues across the University. The friendly and inclusive nature of the group means that everyone is welcome regardless of fitness levels.
Supporting charitable causes
As well as supporting individuals to play regular games of football, the Staff Football Club is committed to supporting charitable causes. The annual Bath-Bristol Staff Football Big Match has become the highlight event of the calendar and aims to support a charitable cause every year. In April of this year, over £850 was collected for the mental health charity Mind.
How to get involved
The Staff Football Club is mixed, inclusive and welcoming to all staff and postgraduate research students across the University. Anyone who wants to get involved can do so by completing our Mailing List Request Form which contains further information about how it all works.
Love it. Jon Jerrome is a credit to the university. He and all the organising committee are greatly appreciated by the club. Thanks for everything you guys do.