At the start of the 2019/2020 season, Thackley AFC adopted AndysManClub as its charity of the season, with the aim of (1) raising awareness of men’s mental health and (2) fund raising for the charity throughout the season.

AndysManClub was started in August 2016 with the aim of cutting suicide in half in men under the age of 45, by allowing a safe place for men to talk about any issues and problems they face together in a safe environment. The charity’s slogan of #ItsOkayToTalk has this season been recognised nationally and the charity has seen the number of men attending its sessions rise rapidly.

Since adopting AndysManClub as its charity of the season, the club sought to raise awareness of men’s mental health by regular social media posts, having AndysManClub leaflets available in the Clubhouse in addition to having “#AndysManClub” and “#ItsOkayToTalk” featuring on the back of the Club’s Home & Away shirts and travel jackets.

In relation to fund raising, Thackley AFC have been able to assist in donations in excess of £10,000 since July 2019. Thackley AFC has, from initiatives at social events and match days, managed to make direct donations totalling £749.40. In addition, in August 2019 Thackley AFC hosted a charity football match in memory of local man Gary Worby who had sadly passed away. The event also included fund raising stalls and charity auctions, and the day resulted in funds of around £9,500 being raised and donated to AndysManClub.

Unfortunately, the fund raising activities were curtailed by the premature end of the 2019/2020 season.

Thackley AFC would like to thank everyone who has supported the Club’s charity of the season, including one of our main club sponsor’s, Priestley Joinery Limited, who made it possible for the club to have the AndysManClub name on our kits and travel wear.