‘Team-Mates’ is a new project to help men tackle mental health issues – run by Northampton Saints Foundation, Northampton Town Community Trust, and the Steelbacks Foundation, alongside Northamptonshire Sport.
Research shows that men who can’t speak openly about their emotions may be less able to recognise symptoms of mental health problems.
Team-Mates offers like-minded people the opportunity to improve their physical health through walking sports. With a post-game cuppa and chat, individuals are also given a safe space to socialise and talk about their problems.
The walking sport sessions are fully inclusive and an ideal way for people to enjoy a slower version of the sport, and ideal if you are looking to get more active and meet new people.
Sessions are run by qualified coaches and support staff, trained in mental health awareness. They aim to support individuals who may want to maintain or improve their mental health and wellbeing, in a supportive and friendly environment.
The Team-Mates project has been funded by West Northamptonshire Council’s Community Mental Health Prevention Grant.
Team-Mates includes…
WEEKLY WALKING SPORT SESSIONS
The weekly walking sport sessions consist of an hour of walking sports – either rugby, cricket or football depending on the venue – followed by a cuppa and chat. The sessions are weekly, but don’t worry if you can’t attend every week.
MONTHLY MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
Once a month, the clubs will invite mental health experts from various organisations and external services to visit the sessions to provide talks and information on their service and available support.
PRE-MATCH CHATS
Pre-match chats will be offered at Northampton Town FC (coming soon at Northampton Saints and the Steelbacks) to encourage people who are feeling lonely to meet new people and build social connections.
How to book…
To book any of the sessions, please look at the schedules below and click on the booking link...
WALKING RUGBY @ NORTHAMPTON SAINTS
- Start Date: 6 February 2025
- Day: Thursdays
- Time: 5.30pm to 7.00pm
- Venue: High Performance Centre, cinch stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, Weedon Road, NN5 5BG.
- Audience: Mixed session (open to any adult, 18+)
- Cost: £2 per session
- Click here to book
WALKING CRICKET @ THE STEELBACKS
- Start Date: 4 February 2025
- Day: Tuesdays
- Time: 12.45pm to 2.45pm
- Venue: Northants County Cricket Club Indoor School, The County Ground, Abington Avenue, Northampton NN1 4PR
- Audience: Men Only (18+)
- Cost: £2 per session
- Click here to book
WALKING FOOTBALL @ NORTHAMPTON TOWN
- Start Date: Saturday 8 February 2025
- Day: Saturdays
- Time: 10.00am to 12.00pm
- Venue: Goals Soccer Centre, Mere Way, NN4 8BT
- Audience: Men only (18+)
- Cost: £2 per session
- Click here to book
What kit do I need?
For walking rugby sessions at Northampton Saints, round metal or round moulded studs are required. Astro trainers, football blades and flat-bottomed shoes are not permitted.
For walking cricket sessions at the Steelbacks, only trainers are required.
For walking football sessions at Northampton Town, astroturf trainers or moulded studs are required.
Once kitted out you will have a quick warm-up and the rules will be explained for anyone new to walking rugby/cricket/football. The group usually plays for about an hour, but you can sit out at any point.
