2021:
TubbyFc was founded in June 2021. After an initial idea from Mirehouse Resident and now project member to form a football team for a group of men who are either of a certain BMI & or are Suffering with mental health Issues. The idea was presented to the local Councillor for the area. Wammo Walmsley and the Tubby FC story started from there.
Following on from that discussion. A post was subsequently added to a local Facebook Group for the Mirehouse estate to gauge any interest. What was said was. We are on the search for a squad of about 15 overweight gentlemen and/or suffering with Mental health issues. Preferably to have played football in the past. But not essential. With the aim of training, Dieting, Bond together over 6 weeks and play a few of the local teams. With the slogan of – Larger than life gentleman playing the game we love. After the initial 6-week period we could then see how we progressed in getting fitter, Healthier whilst making new friends at the same time. From this post there was 107 comments made from interested people.
From there Work was set about engaging various parties to get the project of the ground from Active Cumbria, Well Whitehaven, The Cumberland FA & Also Heaton`s Heating Services. St Benedict`s RUFC with all parties being extremely excited about the plans put forward.
On the morning of Sunday 11th July around 30 lads turned up at St Benedict`s RUFC Astro pitch for the very first get together and kickabout.
In a few short months the project had upwards of staggering 50 lads enrolled in the club. Looking at bettering themselves both physically & mentally. Whatever their own personal fight may be. The Club brought in Kevin Young as Head coach which gave the team structure on & off the pitch. Off the field the project has spiralled into other side projects. With a running club, Whitehaven park run, Weight loss projects, plus other projects within the Mirehouse Community.
We secured ourselves sponsorship from local businesses along with an excellent affiliation with St Benedict`s RUFC. Who are showing their continued support with the project. Without them the project may not have got off the ground. They are providing us the use of there grass pitch and the Astroturf facility for training sessions. As well as the club facilities
TubbyFC began beginning to build a reputable name for themselves on their own and surround communities which is something we take pride of. The club has achieved within a very short space of time and will continue to grow to allow us to support as many people as possible.
2022:
TubbyFc carried on 2022 where they left off 2021. Chris Sewell come on board as a coach due to injury working with Kev. In February the project made its first trip out of the county when we visited the County ground in Leyland, Lancashire to take on a similar based side from Preston, Headstrong FC. TubbyFC were victorious on the day in-front of a army of travelling supporters. We then followed this up with games with teams from over the Border at Glasgow Titans & Denny Warriors.
Middle of 2022 seen TubbyFC Achieve Accreditation with the Cumberland FA & Host the first TubbyFC anniversary 7 Aside Competition which proved to be huge success. There was another change within the coaching set up with player Mike Mather taking over as coach. TubbyFC then went on to raise £4000 during a charity match with MorrisonsFC for the Cry Charity in memory of a local girl from the Mirehouse estate. We then locked horns for the first time with Carlisle based Border City Greens who took inspiration from what we had set up. So set their own project up.
Towards the end of 2022 the project took a major twist with Ian Fleming & Kristian wood taking over the running of the project. A formal committee was set up to give the project a new structure going forward.
2023:
TubbyFC has continued to grow with plans for the future already in motion both on and off the field. initially everything was stripped back to basics. We are carrying on with our fund raising activities in May 2023 we raised £1200 for Oracle Cancer Trust. We are engaged with activities with local groups as part of our giving back to the community approach. The latter part of the year seen us invite the NHS International Drs & Staff from the West Cumberland Hospital to play in a game to raise funds for the Childrens Ward which raised £767.92. TubbyFC handed out 175 selection boxes out to local kids on the Mirehouse Estate & also to a nursury on the estate.
Whatever challenges we face as a club, Individuals, whatever battles any one person has. Within the group we stand by one another. If one Tubby falls every tubby picks him up.
Up The Tubbies
