A Darlington man who has battled depression for most of his life says a community football programme transformed his mental health and wants others to join.
Carl Mansfield has attended Darlington FC Foundation’s ‘Think With Your Feet’ sessions since November 2022 and is now one of the group’s longest-standing members.
The programme, which uses football to support mental wellbeing, is among a number of community initiatives being backed this season through Amazon’s partnership with the Foundation.
For Carl, reconnecting with the sport has brought back something he felt he had lost years ago.
Football had always been part of his life, but it gradually disappeared from his routine when his Sunday league days ended and family commitments grew.
Looking back, he believes that played a role in his struggles with depression.
He said: “I think that was a big part of why I ended up suffering with depression – so coming back and playing again through this programme with the Darlington FC Foundation has massively helped me.
“I’ve been on medication for it in the past, and thankfully because of this and other things I’ve done, like developing new coping mechanisms, I’ve been off medication now for over two years.”
Carl attends the sessions every Tuesday and says the benefits extend well beyond exercise.
Football clears his mind, but Carl says the group’s friendships and support network make the biggest difference.
Participants come from a range of backgrounds and experiences, but Carl says there is a strong sense of understanding among those involved.
He said: “Everyone’s got a different story on how they’ve ended up here, but everyone’s friendly and open.
“If anyone had problems, they wouldn’t feel afraid to pull me to one side and have a chat with me, and I wouldn’t feel afraid or worried if they were doing that.”
The programme has become such an important part of Carl’s week that his employer allows him to finish work early every Tuesday so he can attend.
He said his colleagues understand the sessions’ value to his wellbeing and support him in making time for them.
The Foundation’s community work continues to expand, with more than 9,000 participants taking part in projects during the 2025-26 season.
Its initiatives improve lives, strengthen communities and support people who might otherwise struggle to get help.
Mental health is the programme’s main aim, but Carl says it also brings plenty of fun and healthy competition.
He said: “There are some very good players here, to be fair, then there’s the likes of me at the other end of the spectrum, so it’s not too bad.”
With mental health challenges affecting increasing numbers of people, Carl believes community-based projects can have a significant positive impact.
His advice to anyone considering the sessions is simple.
“Get yourself down here,” he said.
“It’s just two hours of football – whatever your worries are, you can leave them on the side of the pitch.”
Amazon recently announced a new partnership with Darlington FC and Darlington FC Foundation, including a £25,000 donation for mental health, disability and youth engagement programmes across the region.
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The partnership runs until 2027 and will see Amazon employees from its Darlington fulfilment centre volunteer at club and Foundation activities and events.
Jack Docherty, site lead at Amazon’s Darlington fulfilment centre, said the company was committed to supporting the communities where its staff live and work.
The ‘Think With Your Feet’ programme runs on Tuesday and Friday afternoons at Eastbourne Sports Complex.
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