How the Appin Warriors Premier League and Championship are looking to provide support.
Whether we are playing, watching, or talking about it, we all love football. For a lot of us, football acts as an excellent escape from our day to day life. Football provides us with the opportunity to come together with our teammates and fellow fans to enjoy (or sometimes not if we’re losing!) the beautiful game.
We will all have experienced the many effects of playing football, both physical and mental. This can come in the form of the sore legs after a hectic 90 minutes in the rain, or the feel good factor after getting the opportunity to see mates on a Sunday for a kick about.
It is not only us who feel this, and the great influences of sport are actually heavily noted! Regular physical activity, as demonstrated by Sport Scotland’s findings, has numerous positive effects on overall well-being. This activity offers significant benefits in stress relief, mood enhancement, and self-esteem improvement.
At Appin Sports, we strongly believe in sports’ influence on mental well-being. With approximately 25% of the population in Scotland experiencing mental health issues annually (Scottish Health Survey), the need for support has never been more.
The Warriors Premier League (WPL) defines itself as “Scotland’s first & only Amateur Football League dedicated to supporting overweight men physically & mentally” and looks to offer an outlet to support those facing issues surrounding mental and physical health. The existing premiership division consists of twelve teams across the central belt of Scotland, offering the opportunity for participation throughout a range of towns and cities.
Gary Thorn, the Founder and Chairman of Warriors Football Association, shared the insight into the inspiration behind the league;
“Our main goal was to provide a secure and enjoyable space where all our members could participate in football without fear of judgement or feeling excluded.”
“We wanted to ensure that everyone feels welcome and at home on the field.”
After working closely with teams in the WPL during the early stages of this season we jumped at the opportunity to further this connection through the opportunity to sponsor the league itself. Now called the Appin Warriors Premier League (AWPL), the league has continued to promote and support strong mental health through football.
Appin Sports Football Consultant Kenny Aitchison explained the motivations behind sponsoring the league:
“It was a no brainer really, everyone here at Appin Sports recognises the reach of football and we had witnessed the effects that the league was having. We all wanted to support this in any way we could, and when the sponsorship was offered we were delighted to accept this.”
Fostering Support & Unity Through Football
Continuing, Gary explains how the league serves as a platform that unites players from across Scotland.
“Each of our competing teams provide support to their players in their own way but AWPL plays a crucial role in bringing individuals together, fostering unity and camaraderie.”
“Notably, the league has also been instrumental in establishing new clubs in areas with a surge of interested players seeking an opportunity to be part of the football community”.
“The response from those within the league has been nothing short of remarkable. Embracing the chance to be part of this inclusive community, the players have expressed their heartfelt appreciation for the opportunity provided by AWPL”.
“Many have found their way back to football through the league, using it as a catalyst for weight loss and forging meaningful friendships with like-minded individuals.”
Creating a Comfortable Environment For All
The AWPL prides itself on its carefully crafted environment, where players feel comfortable and supported. By aligning criteria and framework, the league ensures that participants share similar situations and goals.
A clear message, backed by the strong values behind the league, underpins the league’s success according to Gary Thorn, ensuring it caters to the needs of all involved. The league committee plays a pivotal role in maintaining expectations, making certain that each competing club upholds the league’s principles towards creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for all.
Embracing Mental Health Support Through Football
The league itself also goes beyond the pitch, recognising the importance of mental health support beyond football.
Gary comments “The league actively encourages players and coaches to stay active, fostering overall well-being”.
“Moreover, by joining a team, individuals combat isolation, building a support network within their club”.
“To further bolster mental health care, the league boasts two mental health first aiders who provide vital support to members when needed.”
Charting an Ambitious Path Ahead
The league, alongside founding member Denny Warriors, have recently been awarded the Scottish FA Grassroots Football Award for the Best Community Football For All Project in the Central Region, and the future of the AWPL is looking to build on this.
We at Appin Sports are excited to be involved and what the future will bring! The Warriors Football Association is set to welcome ten new teams into its new division for the 23/24 season, also sponsored by us as the Appin Warriors Championship (AWC)! The AWC introduces a further ten teams into the league structure and with ever growing requests from individuals and teams eager to get involved, the league’s significance becomes evident.
Kenny explained the motivations behind the continued and growing support of the league;
“I am delighted that we are able to continue to support the league into next season alongside the expansion of the championship. It is really good to see the AWPL continue to grow as I think that all of us here at Appin Sports can really get behind the goals and objectives set out. It is really good to see the league thrive in achieving these and for us to provide our support.”
Gary’s vision is to have the AWPL recognised by the Scottish Football Association, with the league evolving into a national program dedicated to support players improve their physical and mental well-being.
“Addressing obesity, physical health, and body image concerns, the league strives to break barriers and reduce inequalities, aligning with the SFA’s Football For All Strategy”.
“The ultimate goal is to give all individuals the opportunity to experience the benefits of football, regardless of their physical appearance.”
The AWPL’s success stands as a testament to its potential for impactful change, making a lasting impact on the lives of those it embraces through fostering a supportive space where football becomes a vehicle for empowerment and well-being. Its journey is one of passion, inclusivity, and ambition, inspiring a vision of a future where every individual, irrespective of their size or shape, can embrace the beautiful game with open arms.
