City players Tom Hopper, Conor McGrandles and TJ Eyoma joined Foundation students in the classroom to participate in a wellbeing session.
Led by health and wellbeing leader Will Poole, the group took part in a session similar to what they deliver as part of their Team Talk programme which allowed the students and players the opportunity to share thoughts about their own personal journeys and different coping mechanisms they use.
Will Poole, health and wellbeing leader for the Foundation, said: “I found the students positively engaged with the players. The players were fantastic ambassadors for explaining their thoughts of health and wellbeing in their professional life and the importance of the next steps after football. A very inspiring sessions for the students to think about their next steps into sport.”
The players met with year 12 and year 13 students to discuss topics such as positive and proud moments from their lives and how to look after your mental health both on and off the pitch.
Finlay Davis, BTEC student said: “I think it’s really good that we can use our connection with Lincoln City Football Club to support our BTEC course. It has been great to hear their professional experiences but also some of the normal challenges they face when maintaining their health and wellbeing, it helps us relate to them.”
Students also had the opportunity at the end of the session to dig a little deeper and ask the players any burning questions they had about their career and insights from the dressing room.
TJ Eyoma said: “As a young player myself, I understand how the students can look up to me as a role model, and with that, it’s important to be able to share the knowledge with the next generation. It’s been great to have the platform to do that.”
Tom Hopper added: “It has been interesting to get different perspectives on how other people use coping mechanisms to escape off the pitch. I have enjoyed sharing some of the things I have learnt over the years with the students.”
The Foundation’s Team Talk programme aims to support Lincolnshire people with their mental health. Since it launched last year the project has grown from a men’s peer to peer session led by Andy’s Man Club at the LNER Stadium to include a second mixed support group led by Unmasked Mental Health and a physical activity session. Thanks to new support, Team Talk is also expanding into Mablethorpe.
To find out more about studying at Lincoln City Foundation click here. To find out about how to access Team Talk mental health sessions click here.
