A new football club has launched in Salford for those in recovery from addiction.
Salford Unity was formed after members who were in the same recovery fellowship entered into a football tournament together. They won the tournament and went on to form their own club.
“The lads really enjoyed it and got so much out of it,” said Wayde Barrett, founder of Salford Unity.
“After we came away from the tournament, I took it upon myself to set up a full eleven-a-side football team and create a positive space for guys to come down and train, because people struggle to turn up to sobriety meetings, so it was about giving a space to express themselves outside of their day-to-day lives and gives them a place to come to be a part of something.”
Salford Now went to an evening training session to learn more.
Captain of the club Kade Wilson said, “I’m six months clean and sober, and that has improved every aspect of my life. What this football club has done – you’re part of something”
“It’s a group of lads who all share similar experiences; it’s good to be part of something that knows what you’re going through.”
“To be connected through football, it keeps us all focused on something rather than being out doing what we shouldn’t.”
According to statistics from Ipsos, just over 1 in 10 people will suffer from one form of addiction in their lifetime, with just under half of people (47%) being affected by addiction themselves or through someone they know.
Jack Veevers, another player for the club, told Salford Now about the importance of Salford Unity in his journey: “It’s given me the passion back for living. I’ve got something to look forward I have always loved football. Addiction took me away from that, and injuries; I ended up going down the wrong path.”
“I can wake up in the morning and actually turn up to a game and enjoy playing football.”
Salford Unity have started their first competitive season, playing in the North West Charity League under the Manchester FA.
