Festival of Hobbies - AFC Unity & women's football #1
AFC Unity is a multi award-winning, purely independent women’s football club and social enterprise based in Sheffield.
They cater for beginners (via Solidarity Soccer) and advanced women footballers (with an 11-a-side first team). AFC was founded by Jay Baker and Jane Watkinson in Sheffield in 2014. It was the first women’s team to be created in its own right, rather than as a spin off for a men’s team. Jay and Jane are passionate about football and the benefits it offers those that get involved. Here, some of their many players, talk about their involvement with AFC, and having football as a hobby, means for them.
And if reading this inspires you to have a go you can be sure you’d get a very warm welcome from this amazing, dedicated and welcoming crowd. More info on their website
This blog post is in two parts - in part 1 we’re sharing some of the things Amy, Kirsten, Rachel and Sarah said.
What is your hobby and how did you get into it?
“Football - I played in a 5 a side game in 2012. I was going through a very bad year and that one game made me feel incredibly happy. I resolved that this could NOT going to be the last game of football I played. At my age, this was not going to be easy but good fortune intervened as I became friends with someone who was planning to start open age/ability football sessions for women and girls and I took it from there.”
“Football, I’ve always played either in the street or at school. Solidarity Soccer got me playing properly again.”
What do you love about your hobby?
“I love playing football - you get to run around, think about tactics, work with great teammates and coaches (and occasionally get the thrill of scoring a goal!). To play football for AFC Unity just adds to the feeling - they're such an awesome club with founders Jay and Jane creating a positive atmosphere and encouraging the club to contribute to positive change within our wider society. I come home from our training and games feeling great!”
“I love that whilst I'm playing football I'm just ME. Not a mum or a wife just ME.”
“That so many women and girls of all backgrounds play it so you get to enjoy the company of many different people, that it's good for my body, mind and spirit, that it's so different from any other hobby I have ever had, that it has really, really pushed me (and I'm not someone who normally likes to out of my comfort zone usually).”
“I feel fit, I feel part of a team and I feel a responsibility towards my team. It's important to me to keep doing it as I have seen an improvement in my play and I want to keep improving. And as with my first ever game it makes me feel happy.”
What do you get from doing your hobby? Is it important to you to keep doing it ... why?
“I love being physically active and playing football with AFC Unity certainly helps me achieve that!“
“I love spending time with people who have common interests (and that this interest has nothing to do with chatting about work!) and to be surrounded by positive people with a clear goal.”
“I have a fun time playing football. It's a great stress relief and good for keeping fit and healthy. It's important to me as it's the one thing where I can forget about everything else.”
“If a hobby is something that is of interest and value to someone it is a way of them demonstrating an interest and value in themselves.”
Why do you think it is important for people to have hobbies?
“I know that we are all pushed for time, but I think there is a huge amount to be gained from taking part in, and developing, a hobby that you enjoy. Hopefully, a person has chosen to do a particular hobby because it brings them pleasure, and it can have the ability to take your mind away from the daily grind, or other stressers in life. Playing football at AFC Unity has helped me to spend time with other women who love this sport as much as I do, boosted my fitness, (therefore becoming mentally and physically healthier), helped me contribute towards community projects (such as taking part in food bank collections), and given me huge satisfaction as I increase my skills on the field.”
“Helps to escape from every day life and build new relationships and opportunities”
Do you believe that hobbies are good for your mental health? If so, why?
“I do believe that hobbies can have a positive effect on our mental health! We work on our physical health to keep our bodies in shape - surely we should be doing the same with our minds and what better way than to take some time to do an activity that you have chosen to do, just for fun, with the opportunity to spend time with folk who have similar interests, perhaps contribute to a bigger project (and let alone the positive effect of physical acitivity on mental health!).”
“Yes I think having a hobby is good for mental health to give you something else to focus on and set personal goals. It's amazing once you achieve them!”
“Yes, it can help with social relationships and as a distraction from every day problems.”
What advice would you give to someone who is looking to pick up a new hobby? This can be specific to your hobby or just a hobby in general.
“I'm sure it can be scary signing up to something new and putting yourself out there, but there is so much pleasure to be gained from spending some time doing something that you really do enjoy! Just give it a go -- if it isn't for you, what's the worst that happens? I can't imagine anyone coming to play football with AFC Unity at Solidarity Soccer feeling any regrets!”
“Just "you never know" - you may be surprised at the thing you end up enjoying. You can try a lot of things just once - if it doesn't appeal, don't push it, try something else. If you can't find a place to try something, ask around, start something up with friends. And a lot of people say things like "I can't sing/dance/draw/play x, y, z" but these things are what you make them. If you WANT to and you enjoy it, DO it!”
How can people get involved with the hobby you do?
“Depends on what level, but for gentle introduction try Football Unites, Racism Divides, AFC Unity Solidarity Soccer, Nunnys Funky Boots, Mount Pleasant Park FC. “
What's next for you and your hobby?
“I hope to play football for as long as my body will let me! I continue to make it a priority in the week (not always easy with busy work demands and social activities) because I know it makes me happy. For as long as AFC Unity will have me, I'm all theirs!”
“Keep playing as long as I can.”
If you could try a hobby you've always wanted to, but never had the chance, what would you try?
“Glass blowing. I watched a program about it and think it looks awesome!”
“American Football!”