“It isn’t just about winning”

The Arsenal Foundation has helped to fund In Tune FC, a local football club supported by Cycling Club Hackney for people suffering from isolation or mental health issues. Co-founder Michelle Binney tells us about it.

“I’ve learned it’s better to keep busy. I had some personal matters to sort out around my mental health, and since then I’ve been filling my week with volunteering, study, my church group and hobbies, of which music and playing football are my favourites.

“The idea for the club came about in October 2020, during the second Covid lockdown. My occupational therapist referred me to Keir Apperley, an NHS-registered sports coach. He is the general manager of Cycling Club Hackney and, now, the volunteer lead for our football club. The idea was for me to try out cycling for my active recovery but I told Keir that I prefer football and music to cycling, so we agreed to switch to playing football. Then we founded In Tune FC (ITFC).

“Currently we have two adult teams, male and female. We’ve been participating in the North West London Mental Health League (Middlesex FA) and more recently we have joined the Inclusion League based in Haringey. We play friendlies with similar groups, which is good fun, and on May 4 some of our players are going to take part in a tournament in Paris.

“Socially we sometimes meet at one of our kit sponsors: the Little Wonder Cafe opposite the Emirates and at The Arsenal Hub. We also have support from The Hare E2 sports bar in Bethnal Green – a good place for the Premier League matches, especially Arsenal’s! Our training sessions are on Thursdays at The Arsenal Hub and Monday nights with Sporting Hackney FC.

“Most if not all of our players have experienced some kind of mental health difficulty. I know that ITFC is a positive force, not just by being a football club but one that welcomes all players so they feel valued and listened to. We’re aware that we are a small group but have a keen sense of purpose. Part of this it to play football with a balanced mindset and realistic view of where we are: doing grassroots, inclusive, community development football. It isn’t just about winning for us because we’ve won big already just by being out there. To prevent one person from becoming hospitalised is huge, and something ITFC has had a hand in more than once.

“In future we dream of becoming even more effective, and we are seeking funds for the necessary qualifications and a suitable training base to do this. ITFC aims to begin coaching youth football, especially for young people experiencing isolation and in need of some motivation. 

“The Arsenal Foundation has helped ITFC with a grant that has enabled key staff to give up their own work time to manage things and ensure our league participation. The money has also gone towards pitch hire. We really appreciate the help from The Arsenal Foundation and are proud to be a part of the story out in the community. North London forever!   

For more information email info@intunefc.co.uk or follow @intune_fc on Instagram, where you will find a link to the club’s Just Giving page – any donations to help with their ambition to coach young people are gratefully received.