Welcome to Headspace FC

Our vision

Our mission

To create a community where football is more than just a game — it’s a safe, inclusive space that empowers people to stay active, connect with others, and support their mental wellbeing through friendship, movement, and purpose.

Headspace FC CIC exists to bring people together through casual, pressure-free football, promoting mental health awareness and social connection. We aim to provide a welcoming environment where individuals of all backgrounds, abilities, and experience levels can enjoy the game, find support, and be part of a growing community dedicated to wellbeing, inclusivity, and connection. We aim to develop a community that enables everyone to support their mental wellbeing no matter where they are best, which club they are part or what experience of football they previously had.

Our Headspace FC journey

Headspace FC began with a simple idea in April 2024. Brothers and founders Kenny Bartonshaw and Cliff Barton wanted to reconnect with some old football friends for a casual ten-year reunion match. They organised a five-a-side game — just for fun, just for one night.

But something clicked.

After the match, over a drink at the pub, they talked about doing it again the following week. That next game only drew six players. Still, instead of walking away, they saw an opportunity. It was clear: this could be more than just a reunion.

So, they decided to open the door to others — and Headspace FC was born.

In the weeks that followed, the numbers grew. People from across Stoke-on-Trent, Cheshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, and Derbyshire started to join. They came from different backgrounds, with varying levels of football experience — some hadn’t played in years, others were complete beginners. But they were all drawn to the same idea: a relaxed, pressure-free environment where they could enjoy the game, meet new people, stay active, and take time out from the stresses of daily life.

What started as a simple kickabout quickly became something bigger.

Within just a month, matches were regularly hitting 10-a-side and 11-a-side, with waiting lists forming on busy weeks. Headspace FC had grown into a grassroots football community — one built around inclusion, connection, and mental well-being.

By April 2025, just a year later, the group had moved to a new home at Longton Rugby Club, where weekly games continued with strong turnouts and a growing network of players.

But the mission didn’t stop on the pitch.

Wanting to make a broader impact, Kenny and Cliff partnered with a Stone-based men’s mental health support group Man Time— formalising Headspace FC’s commitment to mental health awareness. The team also launched their own kit, allowing players and supporters alike to proudly wear the Headspace FC badge and help spread the message. New links were formed with other like-minded clubs, organisations, and individuals, strengthening the movement and creating a supportive network beyond football. Headspace FC became a Community Interest Company in June 2025

Today, Headspace FC CIC continues to evolve — but our purpose remains the same: to bring people together through the power of football, create a safe and inclusive space to talk, play, and unwind, and promote positive mental health in the community. The community does not stop with just Headspace FC's weekly session but continues to develop with links with football clubs, companies and ambassadors from around the city and country.

We’re incredibly thankful to everyone who has been part of the journey so far. And we’re just getting started.

New players are always welcome — no matter your ability or experience. Our weekly sessions are Tuesday 8-9pm at The Kings CE Academy, Kidsgrove, Wednesday 8-9pm at Longton Rugby Club and Sunday 7.30 - 8.30pm at Powerleague, Trentham Lakes.

Whether you're returning to football or giving it a go for the first time, you’ll find a place at Headspace FC.

Headspace FC weekly sessions

Headspace FC runs THREE weekly football sessions for over 18s, regardless of ability or experience.

Due to pitch side each week is limited to 18 - 20 participants and is on a sign up basis via WhatsApp.

🗓️ Every Wednesday

🕗 8pm to 9pm

📍3G pitch at Longton Rugby Club - Eastern Rise Sir Stanley Matthews Way, Eastern Rise ST4 8WG

Pay as you play £5 per session per week or £8 for two sessions in a week

🗓️ Every Sunday

🕗8pm to 9pm

📍3G 7 aside pitch at Power League Trentham Lakes, Trentham Lakes, Dennis Violet Avenue, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 4TN

📍3G pitch at The Kings C.E. Academy, First Ave, Kidsgrove, Stoke-on-Trent ST7 1DP

🕗 8pm to 9pm

🗓️ Every Tuesday