Evertonian's have had a topsy-turvy season. The idea that watching Everton can be therapeutic may be a little hard to believe, but there have been some good moments which have tended to blot out the teams under-achievements, especially if you're an optimist. As for the red side of the city, it may turn out to be quite a frustrating season too, a record points total for second place is not the same as wining the league and, following their bad night in Barcelona, Liverpool are going to have to fight for a final appearance in Spain this year.
However, one Liverpool team will definitely be making an important European appearance later this month, flying to Italy sponsored by Broudie Jackson Canter! We got to know Colin Dolan through Everton in the Community in 2016. His team, Liverpool Football Therapy, are flying to Milan this week to take part in a 6 aside international tournament. Colin’s passion and goal is to improve the physical, mental, emotional and social wellbeing of anyone who suffers with a mental illness and to do this through the medium of football.
Colin Dolan and Darren Carter with the kit.
Everton in the Community helped Colin through one of the most difficult periods in his life which has led to him discussing the value of football therapy in parliament in 2017, something we also supported him with. Being part of a team and working with others to achieve a simple goal is hugely beneficial to those who otherwise would have very little social interaction and would spend their evening on their own. Now there is the opportunity to travel to Italy to play there and meet others with similar experiences. What a difference the game of football can make, especially in a City which is mad about the game.
Colin Dolan and Mike Davis, a Mental Health Adviser at Broudie Jackson Canter.
As a society we are currently facing a mental health crisis with a serious lack of resources to combat the crisis. Depression and social isolation are a large part of this. Facing the problem of the world on your own with too much time to think is a recipe for the magnification of your problems. Talking to others who face similar difficulties is one way that human beings find a way through. Add this to getting out of the house to do some physical exercise and you can really help people cope.
I used to play squash, albeit rather badly. I was not blessed with much ball sense, but an hour of hard physical exercise was so invigorating, I left full of good thoughts and positive energy. Playing sport is good for us and certainly much better than sitting alone, though sometimes getting out of bed can be the hardest and bravest act. Sport can give us a sense of purpose and gets us interacting with others. It can be a life saver and can seriously improve our quality of life. What Colin Dolan is doing it utterly brilliant!
So, we wish Colin and the team well in Italy. We are delighted to be able to support him and make a positive difference. Football clearly makes a huge positive difference in our city, perhaps this is what we should all feel good about, regardless of which team we support.