Talking Football CIC

THE NUMBERS ARE SHOCKING.
BUT BEHIND EVERY NUMBER IS A PERSON.

Thousands of people die by su***de every year.

Men remain around three times more likely to die by su***de than women.

But these aren’t just statistics.

They’re dads, mums, sons, daughters, partners, brothers, sisters and friends.

And every su***de leaves devastation behind.

Families left with questions.
Friends wondering if they missed a sign.
Empty chairs around dinner tables.
Messages that will never be answered.

So what can we do differently?

Maybe sometimes it starts with something as simple as:

“Fancy a game?” ⚽

Because football can open doors.

A game.
A laugh.
A bit of banter.
A conversation on the sidelines.
A simple “You alright?”

And suddenly, someone who felt alone is surrounded by people who care.

That’s what Talking Football is about.

Yes, we play football.

But football is the vehicle.

The real goal is connection.

It gives people:

⚽ A reason to get out
🗣️ A chance to talk
🤝 A sense of belonging
😂 Friendship, laughter and support
🧠 A positive outlet
💪 Confidence and purpose

You don’t need to be fit.
You don’t need to be a great footballer.
You don’t even need to talk.

Just turn up.

Because football won’t solve everything.

But it can bring people together.

It can create conversations.

It can help someone feel seen, valued and supported.

And sometimes, that first step towards hope is simply knowing:

“I’m not on my own.”

So check in.

Ask twice.

Listen.

Make the conversation normal.

If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available:

* Samaritans: Call 116 123 free, 24 hours a day, or email [email protected].
* Shout: Text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential 24/7 support in the UK.
* Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): Call 0800 58 58 58 from 5pm to midnight every day.
* Papyrus HOPELINE247: Call 0800 068 41 41 or text HOPE to 88247 for support for people under 35.
* Emergency help: If someone is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to the nearest A&E department.

And if someone says:

“Fancy a game?”

Maybe say yes.

PLAY. TALK. CONNECT. SUPPORT. 💙💛

🏆 TALKING FOOTBALL | PLAYERS OF THE MONTH – AUGUST 🏆

A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to vote… but you’ve made our job a little harder! 😂

We have a tie!

👏 Congratulations to Kieran Loughran & Mark Barlow 👏

Two very different players, but two lads who absolutely deserve this recognition.

⚽ KIERAN LOUGHRAN

Kieran wears his heart on his sleeve — and he plays with exactly the same passion, commitment and determination.

He’s been outstanding in the sessions he’s attended throughout August, but his performance in our recent match against Blackpool Football Therapy really stood out.

Running his socks off in midfield — not his usual or favoured position! — Kieran put in a massive shift for the team, never stopped working and capped it off with a thoroughly deserved goal. 💪⚽

⚽ MARK BARLOW

Mark might be one of the more experienced gentlemen in the group… but he continues to prove that age really is just a number. 👏

A fantastic example to everyone in the group, Mark has had a brilliant August.

A goal against Blackpool Football Therapy, another goal in our recent charity match AND an outstanding assist in the same game.

Not bad for one of our more “experienced” players! 😂🙌

But ultimately, this award isn’t just about goals, assists or performances.

It’s about commitment, attitude, supporting your teammates and being part of what makes Talking Football what it is.

Both lads represent that brilliantly.

So congratulations Kieran & Mark — August Players of the Month! 🏆👏

You both thoroughly deserve it, and we’re delighted you get to share the award.

Play. Talk. Connect. Support. 💙💛

🚨 SU***DE PREVENTION MONTH | SEPTEMBER 🚨

Sometimes, one hour can change more than you realise.

At Talking Football, we’ve built something that goes far beyond football.

We’ve built a community.

A place where people turn up as strangers and leave knowing they’re not alone.

Where one person checks in on another.

Where someone notices when a mate isn’t quite themselves.

Where you can laugh, talk, play football, have a bad day, have a good day — and still know you belong.

And sometimes, just one hour a week can make a difference.

⚽ Get active
🧠 Clear your head
🤝 Connect with others
💬 Have a conversation
😂 Laugh and have fun
❤️ Feel part of something
🙌 Build confidence
🔗 Reduce isolation
💪 Improve your wellbeing
👥 Know there are people who have your back

You don’t have to be struggling to benefit from being part of a community.

And you don’t have to have all the answers to support someone else.

Sometimes it’s simply being there.

Because su***de prevention isn’t just about what we do when someone reaches crisis point.

It’s about connection, conversation and community before they get there.

So this September, check in on your mates.

Ask the question.

Listen.

And if you’re struggling yourself, don’t suffer in silence.

One hour.

One conversation.

One person checking in.

It could mean more than you ever know.

💙 PLAY. TALK. CONNECT. SUPPORT.

🌦️ BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY… BRITISH WEATHER… NO EXCUSES! 😂⚽️

We genuinely experienced all four seasons at Bolton Arena this morning! 🤣

☀️ Sunshine
🌧️ Torrential rain
☀️ Sunshine again…

At one point we weren’t sure whether we were playing football or filming an advert for the Met Office! 😂

But the weather wasn’t going to deter the lads.

An incredible 30 lads got themselves down to Bolton Arena this morning to stretch their legs, get a game in, have a laugh and start the Bank Holiday the right way. 💪⚽️

No alarm clock excuses.
No weather excuses.
No “I’ll go next week.” 😂

Just 30 lads turning up for themselves and for each other.

That commitment is what makes this group so special. ❤️

Whatever the weather, whatever life throws at you…

Get yourself through the door. The rest will follow.

⚽️ Play. Talk. Connect. Support.

🎥 courtesy of our biggest cheerleader Beth 🙏

🚨 Attention BWFC fans 🚨

We are giving away this full team signed photo montage signed but last seasons Wembley Play-Off final winners.

To be entered all you have to do is……..

▪️Follow our Page The White Wall Memorabilia ✅

▪️ Share this post ✅

▪️leave a comment ✅

The winner will be picked at random from the comment section on this post on Bank Holiday Monday 31st August.

Good luck guys ⚽️💙

We would like to wish Taylor Smith a very happy birthday 🎂

We hope you have a fantastic day 🥳

We actually have a third birthday within the group today !

Wishing Martin Williams a very happy birthday 🎂

We hope you have a fantastic day celebrating 🥳

A double birthday celebration at Talking Football towers.

We would like to wish Zac Cunliffe a very happy birthday.

We hope you have a fantastic day celebrating 🥳

A double birthday celebration at Talking Football towers.

We would like to wish Andy Sedwell a very happy birthday.

We hope you have a fantastic day celebrating 🥳