Eynsham man's loved ones found football club in his memory
- Published
Amateur footballer Daniel Johnson died in October 2021
The family and teammates of an amateur footballer who took his own life have set up a football club where men can talk openly about mental health.
Daniel Johnson from Eynsham, Oxfordshire, died in October 2021 at the age of 26.
Football in Mind, which was created in his memory, provides counsellors and avenues to players for services in the local area.
One of the founders said he could not "do nothing" when Daniel passed away.
The club runs every Friday and has the support of mental health charity MIND
The aim of Football in Mind is to create an opportunity for men of all ages and abilities to get together and be part of a supportive community.
It runs every Friday and has the support of mental health charity Mind.
According to Will James, his late friend lifted peoples' spirits on bad days
Mr James said that Daniel "lifted the group" on bad days.
"When he unfortunately did pass away, I thought I just can't stand here and do nothing," he said.
"So on behalf of the community I wanted to set up something to give people a place to come and enjoy themselves, and give men an opportunity to talk about mental health openly."
Scott Johnson is proud to be involved in the team that remembers his son
Scott Johnson, Daniel's father, said a lot of people who suffer from mental health problems "don't talk about it".
"A few people have criticised, and said 'didn't you see the warning signs or symptoms?,'" he said.
"There is actually something known as 'smiling depression' - that's what we think Daniel had.
"It's all in respect and honour for him, and that he will never be forgotten."
James Newton says Daniel was the "life and soul of parties"
James Newton, a former firefighter and a friend and neighbour of Daniel's, said that on the night in question, he had received a phone call from a firefighter who needed assistance.
"I attended that in an off-duty capacity and unfortunately, Daniel is no longer with us was the outcome. Shortly after that I left the fire service due to PTSD," he said.
Football in Mind is holding a charity event in honour of Daniel on 7 October at Eynsham Sports Pavilion.
Funds will be raised for Thames Valley Air Ambulance and Campaign Against People Living Miserably (CALM).
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