Sands United FC Larne football team helping men cope with grief of baby loss

A football team set up to help men cope with the grief of baby loss and also improve their mental health has been growing from strength to strength since its formation three years ago.

Peter Gibson set up Sands United FC Larne back in 2019 but had to wait two years before hosting their first training session.

The Covid-19 pandemic stalled any early progress, but now Peter is inviting new members to sign up and become part of the club.

Lisburn man setting up football team to help men grieve after baby loss

Last week they got delivery of a brand new kit and enjoyed their first photoshoot as a team.

Peter told Belfast Live: "I first became aware of the Sands Charity after our daughter Ruby Elizabeth was stillborn at full term on the November 21, 2014.

"I set up Sands United FC Larne in June 2019 with a Facebook page, just before the pandemic hit. This meant we couldn’t get our first training session until July 7 last year.

"The team is not just for men from Larne but the whole of County Antrim. It is not just a team but a support network for bereaved dads, uncles, brothers or granddads.

"Not only does it help with our fitness but it also helps with our mental health. As men we find it hard to open up about our feelings and being around other people who have all been affected by baby loss helps you know that you are not alone in your suffering and that there are people who understand what you have been though and we are all there to support each other."

Sands United FC offers dads and other bereaved family members the chance to come together through a shared love of football and find a support network where they can feel at ease talking about their grief when they're ready.

Throughout the UK, there are currently 34