On Sunday 12th May 2024 we used the brilliant facilities at the Focus Community Arena, home of National League South side Hemel Hempstead Town FC, for Mind Games, a family friendly charity fundraising football day. Proceeds from “Mind Games” will benefit Herts Mind Network, a vital organisation delivering mental health support across Hertfordshire. In Hemel Hempstead, Mind’s Nightlight Crisis House has four bed spaces that can be used if an overnight stay would help you resolve a crisis; beds are available seven days a week, 365 days a year. Mind also managed a Hemel based Helping Herts Café for Young People – a free welcoming drop-in space for children and young people to access support for their emotional wellbeing.
We had an early start to the day, setting up our Kickabout stall for the raffle and tombola, along with welcoming Herts Mind for their stall and the first teams of the day for the 11am kick off – Kickabout’s women’s team versus Herts Police Women.
This was our Women group’s first 11-a-side game together, for some of the players is was their first ever full-sided game and it was a tough one to start off with on what was the hottest day of the year so far. Wearing the new yellow kit sponsored by BAR Electrical & Mechanical Services, the Kickabout girls did themselves proud, with the 2-3 defeat being a scoreline that doesn’t reflect the great play, effort and creativity on display. The Police team held on well to their lead and lifted the Mind Games trophy.
Off the pitch, visitors to the event were treated to free face painting and free-to-enter kids competitions, ahead of the afternoon kicks-offs – a three team mini-tournament between Kickabout’s mens team, Lads Speak Out and Celeb FC. Kickabout played both of these opponents last year, with 0-6 and 2-9 defeats respectively; this was the first occasion though that Lads Speak Out and Celeb FC had met. Kickabout’s squad was made up of our regular weekly Recreational Football players, all men aged over 30 who participate in our small-sided games. Lads Speak Out are more familiar with full-sided games and play regularly, doing a fantastic job at raising money in charity games. Celeb FC’s squad featured UK Garage legend MC Kie, Kayode Damali (The Apprentice), Adam Jordan (Lovestruck High), Marlon Waller (Big Brother), model Germain Rico, DJ D3lboy, and a number of other personalities and ex-footballers who come together to volunteer their time to compete in charity matches.
Lads Speak Out got off to a good start, beating the host side Kickabout 3-1, who were wearing the new grey kit sponsored by BAR Electrical & Mechanical Services. Celeb FC took a short while to settle in before going on to beat Lads Speak Out 4-1. The goal-fest continued in to the third and final game, with Celeb FC securing the Mind Games trophy with a 5-1 victory over Kickabout.
“Honestly, one of the best events we have been to; so well organised, such lovely people and a fabulous cause”.
Celeb FC
“We’re already big fans of what Community Kickabout do, but my word what an event!”
Lads Speak Out
Through ticket sales, donations, raffle, tombola and our sweet stall, Mind Games raised just under £2,000 for Mind, which we’re rounding up to £2,000 for the donation to the charity. Thank you to everyone who played in the games, turned up to spectate on the day or borough raffle tickets.
“These funds will certainly make a huge difference and mean that we are able to help so many more people with their mental wellbeing”.
Herts Mind Network
Community Kickabout extends heartfelt gratitude to BAR Electrical & Mechanical Services LTD, for their generous sponsorship, making this event possible. Without BAR’s and commitment in the initial planning stages, this event would not have taken place. We also gratefully received donations of raffle and competitions prizes from Drift Limits, Willows Activity Farm, Laser Quest, DJ’s Play Park, Ninja Warrior, Snow Centre, Gaffer, The Entertainer, Watford FC, Hemel Hempstead Town FC and Hemel Storm basketball team.
Community Kickabout 