A Liverpool couple are determined to change the world of mental health through sport.
Rhian and Jassmin Backland, who live in Walton, have struggled with their mental wellbeing for some time now - and although it isn't the only reason, they say their sexuality and initial fear of coming out contributed to their anxiety.
However, after finding solace in playing sport, the couple set up a football team which they hope will help others with their mental health, in particular those from the LGBTQIA+ community.
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Jassmin, a 31-year-old chef, told the ECHO : “It all started with a daydream. After years of struggling through mental health and addiction, my wife and I came to a crossroads in our lives.
“We asked ourselves what made us happy? How can we improve our physical and mental wellbeing and break this cycle? As we began to look for an outlet, we quickly came to realise there wasn’t much out there for ladies and football or even a safe place.
“In a very male dominated sport, we knew we had to create something for us and other like-minded girls. Eventually, that daydream turned into a point to prove, not just to ourselves but the closest people to us.”
Rhian has suffered with her mental health from a young age and is currently going through the Mental Health Act to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a condition which runs through her family.
The 29-year-old support worker said: "I have always struggled with anxiety but bipolar disorder is the main thing for me. Doing sports for me has been very therapeutic because you learn that others have gone through and are going through similar situations.
"I have always found myself being quite anxious in social environments even as a child. It's only when I came out I realised part of why I had mental health issues was because I didn't feel comfortable in myself."
Rhian grew up in a small town in Derbyshire, where she says it was hard for her to be her true authentic self.
Despite growing up nearly 60 miles apart, Rhian, like many of the LGBTQ+ community, said she felt the same universal fear of being judged because of her sexuality.
She added: "Finding out who you are, living in an anxious place and being scared of someone finding out who you are adds to your fear."
Jassmin explained that two key factors in improving her and Rhian's mental health are exercise and socialising and so it only made sense for them to establish their own football team.
Following a meeting with the chairman of the Sefton Council FA, Inclusion + FC was born. Ultimately, the couple hope that through their team, others don’t find themselves in the low spot they were once in.
Jassmin said: “We want to spread the word that mental health is okay and you can combat mental illness with exercise and socialising.
“In making this team we created a safe, calming, feel good environment for like minded people who have diagnosed or undiagnosed issues or even just looking for a way to get their spirits up and live a healthier lifestyle.
"The benefits of joining a team are endless, being included, making friends, a sense of belonging and an all round healthier mind set.”
The couple recognised that mental health is important now more than ever following the pandemic and given that many lost sources of income because of it, they want to make their club as stress free as possible.
Instead of asking members to pay for their own football kits and transport, they raise money through fundraising to “lighten the burden of a low income”.
One team member, Kerry Chedgzoy, said: “I absolutely love being part of this team. I wasn’t sure about joining at first as I had never played a proper game of football in my life.
“From the moment I went along for the first training session I felt like one of the gang, never felt like the new girl and everyone was so welcoming.
“I’ve never felt like I belonged before in my life, always had family as friends but never true friends who you knew wanted to be your friends because they wanted to be. It feels so good.”
Inclusion + FC trains every Wednesday between 6:30-7:30pm at Netherton Goals Soccer Centre.
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