Andy's Man Club Rochdale and Bury to meet for celebratory football match after "extraordinary" support for both mental health groups

The game is taking place at Gigg Lane in Bury

Two local men’s mental health groups are coming together for a celebratory football match on Sunday (14 August).

After an “extraordinary” amount of growth and support for both Andy’s Man Club Rochdale and Bury, the two groups will come together with a football match at Gigg Lane, Bury.

Open to any male aged 18+, Andy’s Man Club is a men’s mental health charity that supports, empowers, and gives men the opportunity to talk about things that are affecting their mental health and wellbeing. The sessions are free to attend, and really work to challenge the stigma around men’s mental health. The club started out in Halifax and it’s since grown into a national venture.

There are two clubs in Rochdale – Mayfield Sports Centre and the Our Spot Community Hub at the Crown Oil Arena – which meet every Monday from 7-9pm (except Bank Holidays).

This weekend, attendees of Andy’s Man Club Rochdale will play against Andy’s Man Club Bury in what will be a celebration of men coming together, talking and developing a network of support.

Organisers hope that the 90-minute game will inspire everyone who is struggling to reach out and talk.

Rochdale attendee and facilitator Jake Roach, who has co-ordinated the match alongside Bury facilitator Jacob Critchley, who secured the use of the Bury FC ground, said: “We just thought that it would be a great idea for showing people that people going through or have gone through they’re darkest times can come together and participate and support in a big occasion. And it’s a chance for a little bit of a competition!

“It’s also given a lot of the lads the chance to play a sport they love on a professional pitch and play in front of family, which doesn’t come around every day, we have Bury Football Club to thank for that.”

Jake added: “Jacob organised the venue for us and has been an amazing to work with when organising.”

If you would like to attend Andy’s Man Club Rochdale, please email info@andysmanclub.co.uk or message the Facebook page.

Entry to the game at Gigg Lane (Bury, BL9 9HR) is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

Doors open at 11am with kick off at 12 noon on Sunday 14 August.