Have Your Say! - LoveFootball

Firstly, Myself and Tom wanted to thank you for taking the time to complete the feedback form and its been great to see what you guys are enjoying and how we can improve…so thank you!

We want to let you know what you guys said, what we have done already and whats on our radar for the future. If you have any questions or want to add anything else, please message Dan on 07894503970 or email him at Dan@love-football.org.

Firstly. It’s amazing to see the impact that LoveFootball is having on your mental and physical health.

Just over 85% of you said that your mental health had improved since starting to attend LoveFootball and over 90% of you said that your physical health had improved! This is the foundation of LoveFootball and we will continue to do what we can to support you where we can!

Booking Process

It’s Great to see that your happy with the booking process. We’ve come a long way from paying cash on arrival and sorting out teams when people arrive back in 2019 and we hope we can develop this greater with thanks to your feedback.

What You Said

“I would like to see who is booked for the sessions before I book from the app. We only see how many people booked already. We can’t see any names as we used to see the names in Heja app”

“Booking process simple and efficient to use. Like that can clearly see availability of the sessions”

“Notification when vets gets opened up for everyone rather than waiting to see in group”

“Nothing really! Easy to use app, and happy that I can book 10 sessions at a slightly cheaper price :)”

“Push notifications might be useful… but appreciate this may be hard if it costs through the app”

“I woud like more sessions offered as I find it difficult to make it to most of the ones currently offered”

“Why is there a time limit when you can use your 10 vouchers there should be no limit”

What We Did

We got in touch with TeamUp and unfortunately, they don’t provide a facility for players to see names of other players who have booked on.
We got in touch with TeamUp about push notifications. The only push notifications that are available are for the “waitlist” when the class is full, you can opt into the push notifications when you use the TeamUp app. *you can book any of the sessions 7 days in advance, as soon as you finish playing, you can book for next week

What’s On Our Radar

Evaluate payment methods in the new year and look if any changes are needed. (Bulk Buy options etc)

Communication

Again, it’s great to see that overall, you’re happy with the way we communicate with you with over 98% of players being satisfied or very satisfied. As LoveFootball has grown to having hundreds of players we’ve always been developing how we communicate, and this will continue with the help of feedback from our players.

What You Said

“Prob communicate a bit more , ie if some one who plays reg suddenly doesn’t turn up for a few weeks”
“Nothing much, I just think sometimes we all need reminding that it’s a kick about.”
“Think the WhatsApp group works well and doesn’t exclude those who don’t have social media platforms (e.g. Facebook)”
“We’re still getting Covid-related emails before each session – could look at retiring them now.”
“It took me a little while to become aware of the WhatsApp group and how to join (as the link shared didn’t work), so it would be helpful to make this clearer.”

What We Did

We already used an automated service through TeamUp to reach out to players who haven’t been in a few weeks to check in and make sure they are ok. We’ve added to that service to send a notification to us so that we can follow that up with a message or call. We try our best to reach out if we haven’t seen someone for a few weeks but as we don’t attend every session it can be quite difficult. Hopefully, this will help us with being more consistent
We’ve changed the information in the emails you receive from TeamUp when joining or booking onto a session to include correct links to WhatsApp groups, removed the COVID information and used it as an opportunity to remind everyone that the session is a friendly and supportive place using some group guidelines.
We’ve also made all of the volunteer’s admins on What’sApp groups relevant to them and changed some settings on TeamUp which allows our volunteers to access contact details of players should they want to check in with someone. We are hoping this will add more fluidity to how we communicate.

What’s On Our Radar

A monthly newsletter sent via email to keep you up to date with and developments or changes and how the group is getting on.
Developing the group guidelines to make sure they are clear and reinforce the message of a friendly and supportive environment and how these are communicated consistently to all groups on a regular basis.
Continue to include you views and opinions to evaluate and develop LoveFootball.

Venues

It seems like this is the area where we need most improvement and it’s been really helpful to hear and understand what you think of the venues and what you want from venues. Less than half of you are ‘Very Satisfied’ and that is something that we want to change.

What You Said

“Ramsbottom not so good. Playing surface poor, nets ridiculous”
“No improvements just need more people”
“Change woodhey and change night”
“Quality of pitches at some a pretty rough – having maybe a minimum quality level”
“I would love to see all pitches as Elton High school pitch.”
“Love Football in Leigh would be good!”
“Would obviously love everything to be brand new 4g! But being realistic I think the 3 venues I’ve been to are more than good enough (Woodhey, Edgworth, Elton). Elton in particular is top notch!”
“The old Sunday pitch was the best 3G and allowed for more games. The new one at the cricket club isn’t the greatest tbh. I appreciate some have to be astro sand etc it’s better than nothing but the old Sundays were the best. The Friday pitch is the best one for example.”
“Locations are well distributed around the area. Some pitches are better than others though.”
“Find the harder surfaces like parrenthorn unenjoyable to play on”
“It would be better if all venues had the 3G style pitches – like the Elton pitch on Fridays. If I am unable to make it on a Friday for any reason, I’d like to be able to choose another night, but I feel like the surfaces aren’t too great on other nights and I’m afraid I might get injured on the other surfaces. I understand it’s difficult with what’s available, but there’s my thoughts”
“Maintenance of nets/ pitch segregation nets, particularly parenthorn but also to a lesser degree woodhey”
“Toilets available. This was an issue at St Catherine’s, but obviously have moved now. Changing facilities always appreciated too if possible.”
“As there are several pitches and it tends to be busy at the session I attend, it was difficult to figure out where to go for my first session – it could be helpful to make first timers aware of who they should meet and where exactly at the location.”
“An indoor session (like at St Catherine’s when the lights had broken!) would offer good variety. The Woodhey surface is quite poor quality but understand location is vital to the success of LF.”

What We Did

We’ve found a new venue for our Sunday night Vets and Open Age football sessions. We have been really struggling since moving away from Bolton St. Catherines to find a 3G pitch in the right area, at the right price that’s open on a Sunday evening. From the 8th of January we will be at ESSA Academy every Sunday from 8-9pm. (Walking football will stay at St Catherines)
We’ve cancelled our Tuesday night walking football session for the immediate future with a view to changing the night and finding a more suitable venue. We understand the main issue to be the night and net size. We’re looking at a Thursday in the Bury/Ramsbottom area.
We didn’t do anything for this one but wanted to let you know that toilets are available at all our venues, just ask one of the team and we’ll point you in the right direction.

What’s On Our Radar

We’ve made a commitment to moving away from the older style AstroTurf pitches. This will take time, but it means that we won’t be taking on any more venues unless the pitches are 3/4G Astroturf and we will be actively looking for replacement venues for Parrenthorn and Woodhey.
Working with facilities to source funding to improve their equipment if needed. For example, we are looking into funding for futsal style nets for Woodhey for the Walking Football session. This wouldn’t be at a cost to our players but would be specifically funded through grants.
In the near future we aren’t looking at adding any additional venues/nights. We want to focus on getting our current sessions right and ensure they are running to a high standard and efficiently. The longer-term plan includes expansion to other neighbouring areas.
Developing how we help new players find where we meet and who to look out for.

Organisation And Delivery Of Sessions

It’s great to hear such positive feedback about the organisation and delivery of the sessions and also how we can improve in some areas. We all work really hard to ensure that it’s the most enjoyable experience for everyone and we’re glad that shines through.

What You Said

“Lack of support for Tuesday sessions indicate some change – venue, night – is needed”
“You do a great job”
“Making sure the games aren’t taken too seriously. Last session was hampered by individuals who were constantly moaning about tactics”
“Think the sessions are well organised and delivered.”
“Maybe change it up with the bibs, a lot of people like to wear yellow kits so that can be awkward Clash. All about getting to know everyone’s names that’s what we are about but if they had numbers on could help people who are shy or have anxiety get more comfortable.”
“Can’t fault the LF team. I’d love to be one myself in the future!”
“A quick get together with everyone at the start of sessions might be helpful, particularly for new members. Confirm everyone knows rules, expectations, their own players’ names. Hard to remember faces with line-ups changing week to week.”
“Potentially do some more smaller sided sessions. I know people prefer the bigger pitches but those smaller session benefit passing and moving.”
“Picking of teams”
“Use of the bigger goals where possible is good. Always a better week when the bigger goals have been out. The small 5 a side goals are ok, but you can use those indoors. Playing on a bigger pitch with bigger goals is better and more fun.”
“Extremely well organised and delivered”
“Just to try and kick off on time. Not easy for everyone but it’s frustrating when we ko 5-10 mins late.”
“The only negative I have is kick off can 5/10 mins into the session, would be great to have everyone one there 10mins before ko”
“Nothing to say here, teams always well balanced when I’ve played, teams and bibs sorted quickly. Very good”

What We Did

Refreshed the email communication to include group guidelines to promote the inclusive and supportive environment LoveFootball is built upon.
Again, not something we did but just a note on team selection. We do our best and it isn’t an exact science. We aim to balance the teams on ability, fitness and experience and we mix up who is a bib and isn’t. Sometimes, games can go one way or the other and that’s ok. That’s life. things go wrong and we can be up against it and it’s all about working together, remaining supportive and working hard for each other to grab that next goal.

What’s On Our Radar

In January, the LoveFootball volunteer team are meeting up for some training so that we can unsure the guys have all the tools they need to run a positive and supportive session. We’re hoping this will provide more consistency across venues and further reinforce the ethos of LoveFootball.
From January we’ll be gathering all the players before hand for to set the tone for the game and remind everyone that it’s a kickabout, we don’t need tactics and we’re here to enjoy ourselves, let of some steam and benefit from a supportive environment.
We want to make sure we kick off in a timely manner and going forward we want to look at how we can incorporate some other feedback to improve the sessions. For the meantime, you can really help us kick off on time by checking if you need a bib in advance via the WhatsApp group and arrive early and be ready to kick off at the start time of the session.

How Can We Help You Support Your Mental Health?

This is an area where we really want to improve in the coming months. We want to make sure we are doing all we can to create conversations around mental health, support you where possible and make sure you know what support is available when you need it and how you can access it.

You Said

“These sessions already do”
“The support is there always asked if things are alright and you can tell its genuine not just asking ‘are you OK’ out of politeness”
“Suggestions for where to go for help or support if needed”
“I think it pretty good now, I feel I could speak to any of the volunteers”
“Signposting on the website or WhatsApp group. Linking in with local services”
“Is there the potential to do other socials outside of the football itself every now and again e.g. hikes or other meet-ups. Give the lads the chance to get to know each other better and build up that LF community feel.”
“Kick off times a little earlier give lads the chance to meet after for food etc rather then need to get home as it’s late.”
“Seeing smiles on everyone’s face every Friday makes me feel good. I don’t expect more but to keep it up!”
“I feel that it’s improved my mental health drastically already”
“It could help to occasionally post links to other orgs on the group chats which support mental health or can help with other aspects. Dad matters, addiction support, local food banks, healthy minds etc.”
“I like reading peoples success stories, maybe have people do write ups and how they overcome things”
“Promote services and platforms a little bit more”
“Keeping the sessions positive, making sure the message is clear for all involved so we see fewer pockets of people taking it too serious – it’s not an FA cup final!”
“Maybe annual or bi annual socials. Off football mental health sessions (be it informal classes or formal paid courses offered by affiliates), linking in with Achieve bury or other councils and signposting self help services. Not sure if this is done somewhere and maybe I missed it – apologies if I have!”
“Regular games are generally enough. During sessions though – maybe a reminder from organisers if someone’s being a bit ‘vocal’ with other team members. May be a personal issue, but occasionally the pressure of people shouting gets a bit much and I’ll snap back. Usually when being told how to play continuously, I don’t handle it very well (plus came for casual kickaround!). Doesn’t happen too much these days, but did last week and I’d had enough pretty early on. Usually a good atmosphere though.”
“The sessions help provide a distraction and I feel anyone in the groups would support any individual. Maybe a generic email address or number for support for those that don’t like to burden others directly and may just want to describe how they are feeling from time to time?”
“More social events and interactions, and regular checking in with players about their well-being.”
“More sessions at different times.”
“I never discuss it with anyone, don’t want to be a burden”
“Maybe remind people before or after the game that at the end of the day it’s about mental health and well-being. Maybe a little huddle at the end just to say “thanks for coming and it’s okay not to be okay, if you want to talk about things, chat to us”

What We Did

We haven’t made any changes or action yet. It has however reminded us why we run these sessions and who we run them for and inspired us to be more active and committed to doing all we can to support in these areas.

What’s On Our Radar

We going to build a directory of support services and organisations with information about what the service provides, how to access it and any feedback from people who have used the support.
We will holding regular social events for players to get to know each outside of the football pitch. We’re hoping to hold one every 2 months and if it’s something you are passionate about and want to volunteer to help us deliver then please get in touch with Dan or Tom. The events will vary in location/activity to be as inclusive as possible.
We’re working on how we ensure the sessions are played in the right spirit consistently across all venues. This is a key area for us and we want to get it right.
We are going to share your stories! One of the most comforting things when we are struggling with anything, mental health, physical health, addiction, relationships, finances is knowing we are not on our own and that someone else has been there. It’s also really inspiring to hear form people who have been there and are doing well. If you would like to share your story, please get in touch with Dan.

How Can We Help You Support Your Physical Health

Physical and mental health go hand in hand and are equally a huge part of our wellbeing. Being able to support you to stay well and keep active is something we want to improve upon.

What You Said

“An extra session at Elton one day in the week would be great”
“I think the support for my physical health is OK people are encouraged to run but no pressure on them to do so you can do it at your own speed and capabilities”
“Warm ups and warm downs to prevent injuries.”
“A guided group warmup just before the game for those who’d want it? Would ensure a proper warmup and help mitigate injuries…..just a thought. I think generally, the amount of sessions on offer through the week covers off the physical side of it.”
“Bit of a training drill before jumping into games maybe”
“Promote warm up and cool downs”
“Keep encouraging during the sessions, not to do better, but to keep working for our teammates, which encourages us to keep going and ultimately keeps us fitter!”
“Weight loss help”
“Change the outdoor surfaces we play on a Tue & Thur”
“Being injured and unable to attend sessions can be frustrating. Potential general advice on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.”

What’s On Our Radar

We understand the importance of warming up and cooling down and how it can be key to preventing injuries and keeping us able to play football and keep fit. We’re think about how we can include these in our sessions and balance this with keeping as much playing time as possible.
We’re going to share information about healthy lifestyles and things you can do at home to stay well
We’re going to explore what working with a physio could look like and if and we are able to make this work.
Our long-term plan is to continue to add more sessions in different locations. In the short term we are going to work on our existing sessions which are 5 nights a week and within distance for Bury, Bolton and surrounding areas.

LoveFootball Merchandise

We received some great feedback about the desire for LF Merch and you gave us some great ideas to get started on.

What You Said

“Hoodie, bobble hat, tshirt”
“Full kits maybe .”
“Tshirts and jumpers but not to expensive”
“T shirts.Training tops.”
“Yes, definitely, kits, hoddies”
“Any training wear”
“Yes – LF branded football shirts would be good (short and long sleeve)”
“Yes if the money goes back into better equipment, balls , bibs ..”
“Hats, scarfs/snoods, t shirts, hoodies, love a good magnet”
“Wooly hats for winter!”
“Football attire is useful. Then maybe food Related roducts / prep / healthy meal plans through affiliates. Other soft bens like gym discounts to promote heart healthy lifestyle if you partner up with people. Anything like that?”
“Sports shirts coloured to show teams”
“A yellow playing top maybe, if a player knows he’s “on bibs” he could wear a LF yellow shirt and save on the bib washing!! :-)”
“a 1st and 2nd kit would be nice insteady of just bibs and tops”
“If it would help raise extra money then yep. Any sportswear, socks, hats, shirt, hoodies etc.”

What We Did

We’ve made contact with Kitlocker about developing an online store. As you can imagine it’s quite a lot of work so we’re looking for ways to make this accessible and efficient.
We also want to let you know LoveFootball is a non-profit organisation, so all money raised goes back into providing equipment, facilities and paying bills to keep us going.

It’s also worth noting that quite a few people have mentioned how positive the 11 a side games have been, and this is something that we have done for a while now and will continue to do so int the future.

Well done if you made it this far! We really wanted you to know that we appreciate your feedback and let you know how you impact LoveFootball.