NHS Lanarkshire and Clyde FC have teamed up with the goal of using football to help people overcome their physical and mental health challenges.

A number of men who are supported by Cumbernauld Community Mental Health and Addictions teams have started weekly training sessions at Broadwood Stadium, home of Clyde.

Clinical healthcare support worker Martin Tobin said: “The community mental health and addictions teams work with people from the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth area.

“We were delighted when Clyde FC Community Foundation said they would assist us to set up a football team, giving us the opportunity to train using the fantastic facilities at Broadwood.

“Football is a great way to help people recover from or cope better with physical and mental health issues. It’s an enjoyable activity for the men to do. Evidence suggests that regular exercise improves peoples’ mood, general wellbeing and physical health.

“Joining in an activity can be very rewarding – it makes people feel valued and gives them a chance to widen their social circle.

“Once the men’s group is up and running we hope to set up a women’s team as well.”

The move has been welcomed by former Scotland captain Barry Ferguson, who is Clyde’s manager.

Barry said: “Mental health is something that I’ve got to know a lot more about over the last few years. I’ve been involved in mental health charity work so I understand how it affects people and their lives.

“Raising awareness is very important and we are delighted to be doing what we can to help with that.”

The training sessions are led by Clyde’s community development manager Tom Elliott.

Tom has over 20 years’ experience in grassroots football and has worked with many SPFL clubs delivering community programmes over that time, including Falkirk, Morton and Hibs.

He said: “It’s great to see the guys each week and the buzz they get from playing a match at Broadwood.

“Everyone should be given the opportunity to connect with their local football club. We have recently joined up with See Me, the national programme to end mental health discrimination.”

Among those who pulled on his football boots was Hugh McElroy, 39, from Condorrat, who has had a bipolar disorder for a number of years.

He said: “I love football so I’m really enjoying this. It’s good to get the exercise and to get out and about to take part in a healthy activity.”