A DADS football club aimed at helping mental health in men as well as socialising and keeping fit has launched a new Accrington group.

The ever-expanding Team Kickabout started by Graham Sims from Preston in 2016 now has eight groups running in Preston, Blackburn, Bamber Bridge, Skelmersdale, Blackpool, Kirkham, Lancaster, and a new one in Accrington.

Team Kickabout was formed to give dads a chance to make friends and play sport with like-minded men who did not get a chance to get out often.

Mr Sims, 40, said: “It’s important for me because I value mental health being a parent and if I can do something to help others improve their mental health that’s a result.

“It’s all about creating a setting where dads of all shapes and sizes can get out and play some football without worrying if they are too unfit or to old, too young or just not fit.

“The sessions are there for fun.”

The dad of three-year-old Chloe said: “To be honest the comments we have had from dads who have played have been brill, stuff like that dusted the cobwebs off, just what I needed, man that felt good.

“The importance of these kickabouts goes way beyond simply playing football - it offers an easily accessible way for dads to get out and socialise and enjoy the mental health benefits of being part of an ongoing, regular event with a group of amazing people, all getting together to simply put the world out of their minds for an hour or so.”

Michael Guy-Parker runs both the Blackburn sessions at Darwen Vale High School every Wednesday at 9pm and the Accrington sessions at Accrington Stanley Sports Hub on Tuesdays at 9pm.

He said: “At the moment dads pay a small donation towards pitch hire and we are looking for funding and donations to help us provide this service free of charge."

To find out more or to donate visit https://www.teamkickabout.com/