Football team for people affected by baby loss is launched
Players can also get names of babies they have lost on their match shirts
A NEW football team giving men affected by baby loss a space to come together has been launched.
Sands United FC Shetland is part of the national pregnancy and baby loss charity Sands, which has a local isles branch.
The main goal of the team is to give local dads, grandfathers, uncles, brothers, and family members affected by baby loss, stillbirth, or neonatal death somewhere to come together and meet regularly, while playing football.
Players can also choose to have the names of the babies they have lost commemorated on their match shirts.
A Facebook page was launched for the team last week, which has already gained over 100 followers and with players signed up to the club.
Team manager Neil Tindall, who has helped launch the club, said the early interest had been “brilliant”.
He said they were looking to grow the club from the ground up and to encourage more players to come forward.
“Grief around baby loss can be hugely isolating for men, and men often struggle to talk about it or know where to turn, especially in Shetland where men can be very much closed books,” he said.
“Sands United gives guys a network to get active, build community, and talk when they feel ready – or just be around folk who understand.”
Tindall said there were very few restrictions on who could join, and people did not even have to be footballers to get involved.
“Whether you played at a high level, haven’t kicked a ball in years, or have zero interest in playing, everyone is welcome,” he said.
“If you don’t want to play, come along and be the kit man, help with water, or support behind the scenes.
“We are also open to men who haven’t experienced baby loss directly, but want to step up, support the group, and help us get the team up and running.”
People can get in touch about being involved by contacting shetland_sufc@sandsvolunteer.org.uk, or can follow their progress here.
Become a member of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its readers to consider paying for membership to get additional perks:
- Removal of third-party ads;
- Bookmark posts to read later;
- Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
- Hide membership messages;
- Comments open for discussion.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.
Already a member? Sign in to hide this message.
