Ayrshire groups pitch an alternative take on recovery at football tournament

Eight local recovery groups presented teams at the Ayrshire Recovery Network Football Tournament, showcasing a community committed to tackling addiction and promoting recovery and wellbeing.

The tournament took place at the William McIlvanney campus in Kilmarnock last weekend, bringing individuals together from various recovery communities and services. The event was a celebration of the recovery network, challenging the stigma that surrounds addiction and supporting recovery and wellbeing through football.

As well as connecting communities and individuals, the event raised awareness about the importance of mental health to sustain recovery from alcohol or drug addiction.

East Ayrshire Council’s Cabinet Spokesperson for Health and Social Care, Councillor Clare Maitland, said:

“The tournament is a standout example of the positive impact sport can have on recovery, wellbeing and strengthening communities. We have teams representing services and groups from across Ayrshire, all sharing the same goal of promoting recovery, and improved physical and mental health.

“Our teams showed real determination on the field; a fitting tribute to all the work and support this community delivers. A huge congratulations to everyone who turned out to take part, to all their supporters, and to the services that made the day such a success.”

The tournament was organised, led and funded by the East Ayrshire Alcohol and Drugs Partnership’s Lived Experience Panel with support from the Alcohol and Drug Partnership, East Ayrshire Leisure and the wider East Ayrshire recovery network.

Participating teams included Veterans First Point Ayrshire and Arran, Harbour Ayrshire, The Nest Wellbeing Group and MUMO Cumnock, Recovery Ayr, Wolves North Ayrshire, The Beacons Lanarkshire, EACH Recovery Matters Kilmarnock and United in Recovery Kilmarnock.

EACH Recovery Matters clinched the tournament final against United in Recovery to win this year’s trophy, presented by East Ayrshire’s Depute Provost John McGhee and chair of the Lived Experience Panel Graham Findley, with the Wolves securing third place in a play-off against the Veterans.

Thomas Egan from United in Recovery won goalkeeper of the tournament and Ben Kellington from Harbour Ayrshire won player of the tournament. A special mention was given to The Nest, whose walking football team gave an inspiring performance in their first year of taking part.