MEET OUR FOUNDERS

Headspace FC was founded in 2024 by brothers, Kenny Bartonshaw and Cliff Barton

Kenny Bartonshaw

Cliff Barton

Kenny is an Assistant Principal at a Primary School in Stoke-on-Trent where he also leads in sharing and training others in ways to use technology in the classroom as a UK innovator Adobe Express. Before becoming a teacher, he worked as a Teaching Assistant supporting pupils with SEND in primary and secondary education. Prior to working in education, Kenny worked as a Coach for Stoke City FC Community Programme, leading on many initiatives to develop players for the future, as well as undertaking coaching and education roles for West Bromwich Albion's Albion Foundation and Stafford Rangers FC in the Community.

Cliff is a Teaching Assistant at a Primary School in Sandbach. Prior to this role, Cliff worked in other schools in Stoke-on-Trent and Cheshire teaching PE and supporting children with SEND. He has also worked as a Positive Behaviour Facilitator in a care setting for adults. Prior to these roles, Cliff worked as a Football coach for Stoke City FC Community Programme, delivering PE lessons and other initiatives across Stoke-on-Trent as well as developing players for the future.

"We founded Headspace FC to provide an opportunity for people to come together in a safe space to talk, exercise and take a break from the daily demands of life. Football has always played a key role in our lives and been our safe "headspace" whether that's been playing it from being kids, coaching it or just watching a game, it has always provided us with opportunities to make vital connections, the chance to talk, reflect and breathe.

We have both had times where our mental health has been affected whether that's by a loss of a loved one, anxiety or depression around work or changing life circumstances. Thankfully we have always had someone to talk and turn to for support but unfortunately we also have experienced when someone suffers in silence and doesn't feel that they could talk to someone.

Through Headspace FC's partnership with Man Time we hope to raise awareness of mental health and the support that is there when needed. We want to tackle the stigma around men's mental wellbeing by providing a positive platform and developing a community for opportunities for people to connect and support one another."