More than 500 men have been helped by an Aberdeen dads-only football group which launched just last year.
New fathers are often faced with stress and anxiety, and it’s estimated around one in 10 suffer postnatal depression.
Yet often dads feel there’s very little support available – and they’re just told to “man up” when they have problems.
Realising just how tough it can be, a group of men launched Team Kickabout to help others like them in Aberdeen.
How does the football group help dads?
On Tuesday and Wednesday nights, dozens gather at Goals Aberdeen to have a laugh, support one another and exercise through five-a-side football.
Founding member Danny McNolty explained: “I’ve got a five-year-old daughter, she’s my first and I had never really been around kids.”
He said hearing stories from other dads about their children’s development can help men relax about their own child’s progress.
“It could be a case of my kid is not doing that yet – but neither is yours – so that’s fine,” he said.
“It’s a bit of reassurance without even having to ask anyone questions.”
Some of the team captains are also available on the phone or via social media to chat through problems and raise people’s spirits throughout the week.
‘It helps men clear their heads’
Team Kickabout was launched by founder Graham Sims in Preston after his own child was born.
His brother Dave, who lives in Aberdeen, then decided to start a north-east Scotland chapter of the charity.
Danny, 30, explains that the group is open to anyone who is a dad, carer or legal guardian of all ages and fitness abilities.
“It’s non-competitive – we don’t keep scores, there’s no sliding tackles, no elbows,” Danny, who works as a parts adviser, says. “It’s fun and friendly.
“When you’re finished working on the Monday, the end of the week can often feel a long way off.
“But with something like this midweek to look forward to, you know you’re going to get a laugh and a good game of football.
“It breaks up your week and it’s a great bunch of lads.”
More information can be found on the Team Kickabout website.
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