About Sands United FC Ashby

Sands United FC Ashby is a football team and support group for any man who has been affected by a bereavement through the loss of a child. Matt and his partner, Becky, lost their son, Jacob, who was born sleeping in 2016. As a man, Matt found that society expected him to have a stiff upper lip and carry on – ‘be a man’! Over time he came to realise this doesn’t have to be the case and that men need just as much support as the ladies and it is quite evident that this support just isn’t readily available. This is why SUFC Ashby was born….

 

The idea of Sands United was founded in 2018 by a gentleman called Rob, following the passing of his daughter Niamh. Since then there are now around thirty Sands United teams throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The teams offer a unique way for dads and other bereaved male family members to come together through a shared love of sport and find a support network where they can feel at ease talking about their grief when they are ready.

 

SUFC Ashby was started by Matt on Sunday 21st June 2020, Fathers Day, and in as little as the 10 weeks the club has been formed we now have over twenty men as part of the club to gain support and try and improve their mental and physical well-being. Men’s mental health has never been highlighted more in society than it currently is, however child loss remains a taboo subject. We aim to open up society, to say to men it is ok to talk about your feelings following the loss of a child, one of the single worst things that can happen to anyone.