Elloughton Blackburn FC are the East Riding FA Charter Standard Club of the month for November.

The East Riding FA Charter Standard Club of the Month Award aims to recognise those clubs in our county who are going above and beyond to create fun, safe and inclusive environment for people to play and enjoy football.

Formed in 1988 this month’s winner Elloughton Blackburn FC boasts over 500 members with a full junior and adult pathway. The club though are being recognised for their unique approach to raising awareness of mental health issues after one of the club’s coaches sadly took his own life earlier this year. To combat the issue the Club has created an impressive three-pronged approach:

First of all the club has formed a partnership with Hull and East Yorkshire MIND so that club members can start to look after their mental health just as much as they do their physical health. To help raise awareness the club has also pledged to place the Hull and East Yorkshire Mind logo on the back of any new football kits.

Secondly the club has started to raise vital funds for Hull & East Yorkshire MIND so that people with mental health issues have somewhere to turn to for support. Recently the club held a penalty shootout day, which was supported by Hull City Academy and Hull City Ladies. The Club has also arranged charity matches for the coaches with rival teams, a half marathon and charity buckets at matches.

Thirdly five coaches from for the Club’s Under 7s team have achieved an NVQ Level 2 qualification in Youth Mental Health through club sponsor ProQual so that the coaches can start to spot the signs and symptoms of poor mental health in their players.

Since June 2020 the club has raised a staggering £7,124.68 for Hull and East Yorkshire MIND. The Charities CEO Emma Dallimore commented; “By raising much needed funds, Hull & East Yorkshire MIND can ensure that no-one in the local area has to face a mental health problem alone, and with the right support, they can help them to recover and stay well”.

Most importantly for the club the fundraising activity has not only raised vital funds, but has also got players, supporters, coaches and the committee members talking about mental health. It has acted as a vehicle to open conversations around mental health and has helped break the stigma that still surrounds it.

The club is proud to promote positive mental health on and off the pitch and encourages all its members and supporters to look after their mental health. This included setting team challenges for players and their families during the last lock down as well as sharing information about where people can get help if needed.

When presented with the award Club Chairman Conleth Campbell commented; “We accept this award non only on behalf of Elloughton Blackburn FC but on behalf of all grassroots football clubs from up and down the country who have continued through COVID.

Clubs and Participation Development Officer Chris Johnson said; “Elloughton Blackburn FC have gone above and beyond to not only deliver football in a COVID safe environment but to also provide further wrap around care for all its members. Everyone involved with the club should be extremely proud of their achievement and we thank all the club’s volunteers for their dedication and effort”.

To find out more about Elloughton Blackburn FC please visit them on Twitter or Facebook.

If your club has done something outstanding and deserves recognising, then please click here to make your nomination for Decembers East Riding FA Charter Standard Club of the Month.