Inside Right is a new programme for male and female ex-service veterans aged 20-50.
It aims to improve the physical and emotional health and wellbeing of participants, using football and the appeal of professional football clubs. It also provides access to on-going support and services.
Inside Right is initially a three-year pilot, being delivered by Portsmouth Football Club under the programme name ‘Support the Forces’, as well as by four other clubs (Chelsea, Colchester United, Everton and Lincoln City).
Free weekly sessions take place at the Goals Centre, Tangier Road, Portsmouth every Monday from 1pm to 2pm, kicking-off on October 31.
Pompey’s Support the Forces programme aims to give ex-service veterans:
- Access to weekly football sessions
- Access to coaching qualifications
- Matchday opportunities
- Help to develop ex-servicemen and women’s Veterans Leagues
Guy Whittingham, Pompey’s first team coach, who is a former army physical training instructor who served for a total of six years and seven months, including two-and-a-half years in Germany as an armourer, said: “This is an excellent project, which will help bring together ex-servicemen and women keeping them both mentally and physically active.”
Kev McCormack, the club’s kit man and an ex-Royal Marine from 45 Commando Unit with nine years’ service, added: “This project is perfect for ex-service veterans and leavers.
“It’s a terrific idea, enabling ex-servicemen and women to mix with each other after leaving the forces and to be part of a team through playing football.”
A key supporter of Inside Right, former major Phil Packer MBE underlined the difference that Inside Right can make.
He revealed: “I can understand and identify with the mental anguish faced by others and it’s a positive step forward for the country’s football community to help ex-military men and women adjust to civilian life after serving in the Forces.”
Health professionals and welfare officers will be able to refer people to the football clubs, but individuals can refer themselves by logging on to www.footballfoundation.org.uk/our-schemes/inside-right/join-the-football-family/
For more information about the entire programme contact Lucy Mann, Inside Right programme manager, at lucy.mann@footballfoundation.org.uk or for details about the local group, please contact louis.mack@pompeystudycentre.org.uk