Bringing communities together through football

The county’s first-ever Social Inclusion Wellbeing Football League has been hailed a fantastic success by the Cumberland FA.

Launched in December and brought to a conclusion last month, it has helped bringing communities together through the power of football.

In the Cumberland division, six teams from differing backgrounds took part, with a shared commitment to inclusion and wellbeing.

While the league’s primary goal was to foster a welcoming and supportive environment, it also offered a competitive edge. Hilltop FC from Carlisle emerged as champions, clinching the title in a thrilling final match of the season. Tubby FC from Whitehaven finished as worthy runners-up.

The Social Inclusion Wellbeing League is tailored for teams rooted in wellbeing and social causes – offering a platform for those who may not typically have access to competitive football. It’s more than just a game; it’s about mental health support, community connection, and social inclusion.

The league welcomes teams from a wide range of backgrounds, including:

Mental health support groups
Weight management and physical health referral teams
Recreational and social teams
Small-sided football groups
Social inclusion initiatives, such as:
Homelessness support
Service veterans
LGBTQ+ communities

To ensure fairness and inclusivity, the league is not open to teams or players already participating in traditional Saturday, Sunday or leagues (unless dispensation is granted).

Games are played in either 9-a-side or 11-a-side formats, with match durations between 30 minutes (round robin) and 90 minutes depending on the format.

Thanks to entry funding and ongoing support, getting involved is both affordable and hassle-free, with minimal admin required.

The league is now gearing up for a summer programme of fixtures and is inviting new teams and individual players to get involved with a deadline of Monday, July 21.

Current Cumberland Division Teams: