MEET THE HEADSPACE FC CIC TEAM
Headspace FC CIC was first founded in 2024 by brothers, Kenny Bartonshaw and Cliff Barton and became a Community Interest Company in June 2025. Headspace FC CIC is ran by our team of directors and facilitators voluntarily in their spare time around their lives of work and family, but all have the same passion to support mental health.
Kenny
Cliff
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 and Europe innovator for 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 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 and North Staffs Mind 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."
Founder & Director
Founder & Director
Zac
Director and facilitator
Nathan
Volunteer facilitator
Zac is a joiner and owns Zac Ball Joinery which is based in Stoke on Trent. He has over 20 years of experience in the joinery trade and his company provide a wide range of services from joinery needs to kitchen and bathroom fitting to house renovations.
Zac first joined Headspace FC in April 2024 when it was a small group weekly kick about. Following discussions with Kenny and Cliff, Zac decided to become a co director to help form Headspace FC CIC.
Nathan currently works in facilities for a branch of schools across Stoke-on-Trent. Prior to this, he has worked in industries such as people management and the Police. Nathan also has 3 young sons and coaches their under 8's team.
Nathan first joined Headspace FC in May 2024, taking part in the sessions and soon became an integral part of the group. Nathan regularly volunteers to help run and organise the weekly sessions. Nathan's support in running the sessions has been vital in helping Headspace FC CIC support more people.
"I’ve been fortunate enough to witness the growth of Headspace FC from its inception to its current state. I support them behind the scenes, as it’s rewarding to contribute to a community that gives back. Headspace FC offers a welcoming environment for men and women to play football, unwind, and connect.
I’ve enjoyed rediscovering football, improving my fitness, and meeting new people. As a busy father of three, I value the weekly ‘Me’ time I get playing football. It benefits me physically, mentally, and socially. Headspace FC accommodates all ages and abilities, allowing players to join as frequently as they like.
I’m proud of Headspace FC’s achievements and eagerly anticipate its future prospects."
"I became a director of Headspace FC CIC because I’ve personally experienced the positive impact its weekly sessions have on mental health and wellbeing. They’ve given me the chance to unwind, focus on myself, and meet new people while enjoying football in a supportive environment.
The sessions have offered me valuable weekly ‘Me’ time, improving both my physical and mental health. I’ve rediscovered my love for the game, built new friendships, and seen how the community Headspace FC fosters makes a real difference.
Supporting Headspace FC CIC as a director allows me to give back to a project I believe in, helping it continue to support others as it has supported me."
Tracy
Volunteer facilitator
Tracy runs a family Compliance business who specialise is supporting Accident Repair Centres, across the UK, with the implementation and management of BS10125 and health & Safety Systems.
"I found Headspace at a time where I was feeling quite isolated/lost and had tried other sports but none gave me that sense of joy that football always had. I was attracted to the ethos that the CIC has and that it was aimed at supporting folks from all different walks of life with whatever it may be that they needed to get from playing.
What do I get from it: Just what it says in the name: Headspace (often much needed), no judgement, lots of support and lots of laughs and mostly the chance to participate in a sport again that has been part of my life since I was young.
Why do I help: I have missed being involved in the football community and get a great sense of joy and reward from seeing people develop in confidence, grow their skills, or simply know that we have been a beacon of support where they may of needed it."
Alan
Volunteer facilitator
Alan works for the NHS, as part of the procurement team since 2020, prior to that he was part of the distribution team for Sodexo.
"I joined Headspace in mid 2025 when looking for something that would allow me to have some me time away from work and family. The group was already well formed at this time but even since I joined, the group has expanded quite a bit.
Working within the NHS I have seen how mental health effects everyone in different ways as well as dealing with this in a personal environment. I feel I have found a solid group that is very welcoming and quite open when dealing with issues.
I have helped run some sessions in the absence of Cliff, due to him recovering from surgery, and it has been nice to meet new people and be able to socialise in an environment, that is safe for all."
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Stacey
Volunteer facilitator
Stacey works in a primary school as a senior early years practitioner and teaches PE across the school.
"I joined headspace earlier this year to help find myself again following a tough 12 months and rebuild my confidence whilst getting fit and enjoying playing football again after many years.
Thanks to this community I have meet some great people I now call friends and look forward to the laughs and banter each week.
It is a pleasure to be able to help run the sessions and welcome others into our community to have fun and enjoy themselves."
Aidan is a travel consultant at Hays Travel. He specialises in short and long haul holidays, and when he’s not scoring on the pitch, he’s helping people secure their holidays.
"I first joined Headspace back in July 2025 and was on a health kick with my stepdad. It started off with 1 session a week and then as time went on, I started coming to more and more sessions and improving week in week out.
Before joining Headspace, I had never played football before and I’ve had amazing opportunities such as participating in the Charity Match back in May 2026 and now becoming a volunteer is just something amazing to me.
Headspace is more than a game, it’s a community full of support and I am very grateful to be apart of this community."
Aidan
Volunteer facilitator
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Headspace FC Community Interest Company
Registered Company Number: 16528323
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