2026 INCLUSION TOURNAMENT
The Mersey Football Therapy Inclusion Tournament 2026 marks an exciting milestone in our mission to combine football, inclusion and mental wellbeing.
Delivered in partnership with Marine FC, this tournament represents more than competition - it represents opportunity, connection and community.
GROUP A
Mersey Mind Project
Mersey Mind Project is a community-driven men’s mental health charity based in Merseyside that focuses on helping men improve their wellbeing through connection, conversation, and physical activity. Its core aim is to empower men to take control of their mental and physical health by providing accessible, non-judgemental support such as peer groups, football sessions, and community activities that reduce isolation and encourage openness. The organisation promotes early intervention and awareness, creating a supportive environment where men can build relationships, share experiences, and access help before reaching crisis point.
Website
Website
Strong FC
Strong Football Community CIC is a grassroots, FA-accredited community organisation based on the Fylde Coast that uses football as a tool to improve mental health, wellbeing, and social connection. Originally founded as a small project focused on honest conversations and peer support among men, it has grown into a wider community movement offering inclusive football sessions, teams, and social activities where people can connect without judgement. The organisation aims to reduce isolation, build support networks, and empower individuals through sport, evolving from casual kickabouts into a structured community initiative that promotes inclusion, belonging, and positive change both on and off the pitch.
Website
Website
Rover and Out
Rover and Out is an LGBTQ+ supporters’ group connected to Tranmere Rovers that aims to make football a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for everyone. Formed to challenge discrimination and promote equality within the game, the group brings fans together regardless of sexuality, gender identity, or background, using football as a platform to build community and visibility. Their ethos centres on inclusion, with members emphasising that being “inclusive of everyone” is at the heart of what they stand for, while also working alongside clubs and wider initiatives to tackle homophobia and create a more accepting environment in football.
EFL Article
EFL Article
MAN v FAT Wirral
MAN v FAT Football Wirral is a structured football-based weight-loss and wellbeing programme designed specifically for men with a BMI of 27.5 or above, combining weekly small-sided matches with health tracking and peer support. Players attend weekly sessions that include a weigh-in followed by games, where both on-pitch performance and off-pitch progress (such as weight loss and healthy habits) contribute to team results, creating accountability and motivation. The programme aims to help men lose weight, improve fitness, and boost overall wellbeing in a supportive, team environment, with over 90% of participants reported to lose weight while building friendships and positive routines.
Website
Website
GROUP B
Talking Toffees
Talking Toffees is an Everton fan-led mental health and football community that brings supporters together to reduce isolation and improve wellbeing through connection, conversation, and regular physical activity. Originally formed during the COVID-19 pandemic when social interaction was limited, it has grown into an FA-affiliated team offering weekly football sessions, podcasts, and a supportive network where men can openly talk while bonding over football. The initiative focuses on creating a safe, inclusive environment where friendships can form and mental health can be discussed naturally, using the shared identity of being Evertonians to build trust and community.
Liverpool Echo Article
Liverpool Echo Article
MAN v FAT Liverpool
MAN v FAT Football Liverpool is a community-based football programme designed specifically for men with a BMI of 27.5 or above, combining weekly small-sided matches with structured weight-loss support and peer accountability. Players take part in regular games alongside weekly weigh-ins, where both on-pitch performance and off-pitch progress (such as pounds lost) contribute to team success, creating a unique and motivating environment. The Liverpool club forms part of a wider UK network, offering men a supportive, male-only space to improve fitness, lose weight, and build healthier lifestyles through football, with over 90% of participants reported to lose weight while benefiting from team camaraderie and wellbeing support.
Website
Website
Place2Place
Place2Place is a grassroots, community-led initiative focused on supporting men facing difficult life circumstances by using football and conversation as a way to improve mental health and wellbeing. Founded in memory of a friend lost to suicide, it provides a safe, non-judgemental environment where men can come together, connect, and talk openly, with football acting as a natural starting point for building relationships. The organisation’s aim is to reduce isolation, encourage peer support, and create a sense of belonging for those who may be struggling, offering a simple but powerful “landing place” for men who need connection and support.
Website
Website
The Jade L Roberts Project
The Jade L Roberts Project is a Merseyside-based mental health and suicide prevention charity that provides support for people in crisis through accessible, non-clinical services. Founded in memory of Jade Roberts, the organisation aims to reduce stigma around suicide and ensure no one has to face suicidal thoughts alone, offering immediate interventions, affordable counselling, and ongoing support for both individuals and families affected by suicide. Alongside direct support, it delivers education and training such as ASIST and safeTALK to equip communities with the skills to recognise and respond to those at risk, with a core mission of saving lives and creating a safer, more supportive community.
Website
Website