Football helps mental health residents tackle anger management issues

Members of a successful football team representing a secure residential centre for people with learning difficulties and mental health conditions have become better able to cope with their issues as a result of taking up the sport.

The Langford Tigers football team represents specialist care provider Glen Care’s Langford Centre in Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. It is made up of men aged 18 to 40 who have learning difficulties and mental disabilities including anger management problems.

The team recently attended their first ever awards ceremony at the Langford Centre to honour their achievement in winning the Hassocks Vase.

Much more disciplined & interactive
Langford Centre team leader Aaron Makgatho said: “We are all extremely proud of the Tigers’ hard work and dedication over the year.

"Playing in a team, needing to play for each other, playing within the rules and meeting other teams has been incredibly beneficial for the patients. They are much more disciplined and interactive. Their anger management is incredibly improved. It’s made them all very much better people."

The Tigers are coached by occupational therapist Cornelius Buis who guided them to eighth in the local Hassock’s football league for disabled teams.

Aaron added: "The team members say the Langford Tigers is the best thing that has happened to them; that it’s really helped them. They have much more self confidence and pride."

The Langford Centre has 50 beds in low secure and locked rehabilitation accommodation.  It is part of the Glen Care Group, which is a specialist provider of low secure hospitals, locked rehabilitation hospitals, enhanced Residential services and Supported Living for detained and informal patients.

(Pictured above: left Ben Baker, right Christopher McIntyre. They both play in midfield. Alfie Keefe Occupational Therapy Assistant at the Langford Centre is standing behind)