Concord Sports Centre has begun a new partnership with Sheffield City Council to help people with mental health issues through sport.

Minds Over Football training sessions will give adults with mental health issues an opportunity to participate in regular football matches, meet new people and develop their sporting ability.

Concord will be the home for these weekly sessions, which are part of Sheffield City Council’s Activity Sheffield initiative.

Coaches from Activity Sheffield will be on the look out for players to be part of 7-aside teams to compete in the Yorkshire and Humberside Positive Mental Attitude League.

And twice a year Concord’s new football players can take part in a 5-aside tournament for all teams involved in the Minds Over Football scheme across Sheffield. So far these tournaments have seen more than 160 adults compete.

Richard Apps, general manager at Concord, which is operated by Sheffield International Venues, said: “Concord is a venue for everyone and the Minds Over Football training sessions are a great way for members of the community with mental health issues to socialise and have fun together.

“For some time researchers have known that regular exercise improves mental health through the release of endorphins from the brain when people exercise, so we are pleased to play a part in helping to make people in the area fit and healthy.”

The new sessions at Concord, in association with Southey and Owlerton Area Regeneration (SOAR) begin on January 29 at 1.30pm – 2.30 pm.

For more information, call 0114 257 0053, or visit www.concordsportscentre.co.uk