Forest Green Rovers have brought back their Football on Prescription scheme for the 2026/27 season. The initiative offers match tickets as a form of mental health support, building on a pilot last year that referred more than thirty people to games.
Positive feedback from pilot
The scheme was developed by club chairman Dale Vince and local MP Dr Simon Opher, working with GP surgeries across the Stroud area. It is aimed at people experiencing low mood, loneliness or social isolation. Participants attend a Forest Green match to meet others and connect with their community. Feedback from the pilot indicated improvements in mood and wellbeing, with many participants saying they would like to attend another game. Although initially aimed mainly at men, several women also took part.
One participant said the opportunity to hear the crowd cheering and share in the excitement of a match had been particularly valuable. Another praised the kindness of club staff and volunteers, as well as the camaraderie among supporters. For one man, attending a game with his grandson offered time away from difficult circumstances following the death of his wife.
Club and MP confident for new season
FGR chair Dale Vince said the pilot showed the difference a shared experience can make. "Football is a positive and considerable social force. It brings people together, creates a sense of belonging, gives us shared endeavour and it's fun." Vince said.
Dr Simon Opher MP added he was pleased with the positive testimonials. "I'm really pleased that participant testimonials from last season were so positive, and I'm confident we can take the learning from the pilot forward into this new season and continue to deliver meaningful outcomes for participants," Opher stated.
The scheme is now available for the new campaign. Patients discussing their mental health with a doctor at a participating surgery may be eligible for a referral to attend a Forest Green match.
The report in full is at gazetteseries.co.uk
