Fleetwood Town duo Dylan Boyle and Callum Dolan went to St. Mary's Primary School in Fleetwood to discuss overcoming challenges and the best ways to manage emotions as part of the new HeadStart programme
They participated in a question-and-answer session surrounding overcoming challenges and how they have stayed focused throughout their football professions as part of the new programme by Fleetwood Town Community Trust.
The HeadStart programme delivers 1-2-1 support and class workshops to Year 6 and Year 7 children across Fleetwood, to provide an early intervention and prevention service.
The aim is to enhance awareness and understanding of self-management and coping techniques as they move towards this new change in their lives. Thus, the children were able to hear how both Dylan and Callum have experienced new changes as part of the football career which reflect similar changes to the unknown of moving to secondary school.
Dylan shared his experience of moving away from his hometown in Ireland to maximise his professional career and how meditation and mindfulness is a key aspect of his routine now to manage big emotions in his personal and professional life.
Callum then shared of his feelings towards the unknown of training on his own during the COVID-19 pandemic and what his playing career could look like during this time, with a mention of how yoga really supports him both physically and mentally in recovery off the pitch.
The lads shared some really important tips on managing these emotions towards the children’s transition with an emphasis on utilising their support network around them to talk and support each other through this change.
The children were really engaged and taken away by what both players were telling them. The relaxation techniques shared complimented our workshops as we have covered mindfulness techniques and participated in our own Yoga session. Therefore, hearing this from their role models really solidified the importance of using these as coping strategies and to know that mental health is normal and it is ok to ask for help when you need it.
Dylan and Callum then took time to sign autographs, which included little photographs of the players prepared by the class teacher, where the children had an opportunity to get up close and personal with their role models!
It is really great to see Fleetwood Town Players interacting with the local Fleetwood community more as it provides the children with the change to hear personal stories and meet their idols!
For more information on the HeadStart programme, please contact Rachel Walker via email rachel.walker@fleetwoodtownfc.com, or give Fleetwood Town Community Trusta call on (01253) 208442.