'It's ok to talk at the Hill': Wickham Bishops football club marks World Mental Health Day

By John Linton

12th Oct 2023 | Local Sport

Beacon Hill Rovers FC, in Wickham Bishops, has been doing its bit to mark World Mental Health Day this week.

The club has appointed two dedicated Mental Health first-aiders, Chris Pipe and Joe Williams. Both have passed the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England course. They are available to all players and members who would like to talk in total confidence. As with any physical injury, people should have the confidence to talk about their mental health issues in the same way.

It is estimated that one in four people will suffer from some degree of mental health issues. It is thought playing football can help to improve people's mental health by encouraging social inclusion and helping with physical health.

Meanwhile, on the pitch this week, it was "goals galore" in the Rovers' games - but not all in our favour. We are certainly entertaining to watch! The tiny tots led the way with their best match of their inaugural Under-7s season, so far sharing nine goals in a narrow defeat to South Woodham.

The Under-9 boys had a similar one-goal reverse in an excellent five-goal match with Maldon and Tiptree FC. The Rovers' pass and move football was a thing to behold.

Their sisters at Under-9 girls gave Springfield a very close match. Two late goals took it 1-3 for the visitors, while the Under-14 girls claimed the Beacon Female victory of the weekend. They gave an outstanding display, with a 3-0 win at home against Woodham.

It was certainly a packed house at the Hill on Sunday morning, thanks especially to Joy and Anne for running the Hatch. It was complete with wins for the Under-10 boys against Witham Town. There was a narrow 2-3 reverse for the Under-11 boys to Great Leighs. Further successes were celebrated by the Under-12 boys, 6-2 against Essex Comets; the Under-13 boys, 6-0 over Springfield; and the Under-17 boys, 3-2 victors against Braintree Town.

Pride of place among Hill's youth teams at the weekend was certainly our Under-15 boys at home to Brentwood in the County Cup. A fantastic team ethic sprinkled with some individual brilliance produced a thrilling 2-2 draw and onto penalties. Rovers confidently dispatched four out of four, enough to win - thanks to Jake saving two out of three!

There were more "goals galore" among the Senior teams. The Rovers Women lost their 100 per cent record 1-5 at Clacton Town. The Veterans lost by the same score at home to Stanway Pegasus, while the Men's Firsts produced the performance at both ends of the pitch when it mattered, beating Epping Town 5-0.