A LEADING Isle of Wight League coach is using the power of football to help tackle mental health problems in sport and in the workplace by raising money for and awareness of the work of a national charity.

Bryn Turner, the Island's team manager of southern operations for Scotia Gas Networks (SGN), aims to raise thousands of pounds in aid of the Mental Health Foundation by arranging a series of football matches over the course of the football season.

Bryn, who is also part of the first team management set up at Brading Town Football Club, has created an SGN team to face emergency services sides and one from Island Roads.

Money for the charity will be raised through the gate by donation at each game.

Bryn has set a minimum target of £1,000, but is aiming much higher.

The first game is on Sunday, against a Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue side, at the Peter Henry Ground in Brading on Sunday, kick-off 1pm.

SGN then have a match organised against Isle of Wight NHS paramedics on Sunday, November 19, with other fixtures against the police, Prison Service and Island Roads currently being arranged.

"A lot of good players, some of which play in the Island League, will be taking part and this series of matches ticks all the boxes in terms of improving people's mental health through playing football and helping a worthwhile cause," said Bryn.  

SGN's Island team, skippered by SGN employee Morgan Perrin, who plays for Cowes Sports, will also be facing teams within the company, based in the region, with the same aim of raising money for the Mental Health Foundation.

Bryn added: "The company is quite conscious of the importance of mental health in the workplace and are backing this idea, which will not only improve the mental health of players, but create a greater team spirit at work.

"I'm hoping it is something we can keep going every year."