Best Social Enterprise or CIc - Havering small business awards2026
FOOTBALL FOR MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH
ABOUT TALK FC
PLAY FOOTBALL.
GET SUPPORT.
feel GoOD.
Are you a male aged 20-55?
Low on confidence or feeling pressured?
Looking for something different to do in the evening?
JOIN US FOR A FRIENDLY KICKABOUT.
TALK FC is a community football project in and around London for men's mental health. We bring men together to play the game we love, followed by something different - a mental health team talk. Playing football isn't just about scoring goals on the pitch, it's about looking after your wellbeing off the pitch too. After the final whistle, take a moment to connect, share, and learn practical tips for supporting mental health - for yourself and your teammates.
GRAB YOUR BOOTS. BRING YOUR ENERGY. LET'S START FEELING GOOD ABOUT OURSELVES
Celebrating Our Recent Achievement
TALK FC is proud to announce our win as Best Social Enterprise or CIC at the Havering Small Business Awards 2026.
A massive thank you to Havering SBA for this recognition, Lumiere for hosting such a wonderful event, the head line sponsor The Orange Bin Company and all the sponsors who kindly support these evenings. A big thank you to our category sponsor Addecco as well and to our fellow finalists Routes4life and Tapestry Care UK – we are honoured to be next to you for this award.
A big shout out to our families and our WAGS – Sam, Rebecca, Claire and the wider families who support us with a smile when we say we’re off to football again.
Talk FC is delighted to win this award because we are doing something genuinely difficult — reaching the men most likely to fall through the gaps of every other service — and we are doing it with creativity, rigour, heart, passion and results. This recognition and award means so much and if this pops up on just one man’s feed who may be struggling then that is the true win.
Well done to the finalists and congratulations to all the winners.
#UpThechatters
OUR FOOTBALL SESSIONS
Our community project offers weekly football sessions in and around London for men aged 20-55, using football to bring people together, improve mental wellbeing, and build genuine connections. Our sessions are inclusive, welcoming, and open to all abilities — whether you've played all your life, haven't kicked a ball in years, or have never played before. There's no pressure to be a great footballer; it's about turning up, getting involved, and being part of a supportive community where everyone is welcome, both on and off the pitch.
1
PLAY FOOTBALL
Mondays 8pm-9pm
Noak Hill Sports Complex
Tuesdays 7pm-8pm
Fairlop Power League
Fridays 8pm-9pm
Romford Power League
3
FEEL BETTER PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY
MEET THE PLAYERS
Men from all walks of life join us every week for friendly kickabouts and mental health team talks. Here, some of our players explain what it means to them.
TALK FC is more than football. It's family.
Meet the MANAGEMENT
The men behind TALK FC are passionate about helping men enjoy football and improve mental wellbeing.
Founder and director
Scott Oughton-Johnson
Position: Anywhere but goalkeeper
Age: 39
Why I started TALK FC
After going through my own struggles I wanted to create a space where men can come together play football and talk openly about how they feel.
What I get from attending
From a selfish point of view, I wanted to get back to playing football myself but with like-minded people, and so far, thats been a great success. My background is football coaching also, so to get back into it was amazing.
The best thing about TALK FC
Seeing the project grow and hearing all the amazing open conversations has been the most rewarding thing by far.
Director
Ross Marshall
Position: Goalkeeper / left back
Age: 36
Why I joined TALK FC
I’m passionate about men’s wellbeing, having experienced my own battles, and I am continuing to deal with life and the challenges it brings.
What I get from attending
The sense of being able to give back to others and support my fellow male counterparts by creating an environment that is safe and nonjudgmental. To drive change and show men they can talk openly if the correct environment is created.
The best thing about TALK FC
Being able to support Scott’s dream of growing TALK FC and being able to work alongside Neil and Chris on this amazing journey.
#UpTheChatters
Director
Neil Shayle
Position: Right back
Age: 46
Why I joined TALK FC
I first became aware of The Proper Blokes Club, the men's walk and talk group founded by Scott. It did prick my interest but I already walk my dogs. When I saw Scott had launched a football element with TAlK FC, I felt this was something of more interest to me.
What I get from attending
I enjoy meeting new people and the lads I’ve had the privilege to meet within Talk FC are fantastic. I also want to keep as active as possible and I am a firm believer in healthy body, healthy mind.
The best thing about TALK FC
Seeing the growth and evolution of Talk FC. It has been a pleasure to be a participant and also to be involved in helping it run. These lads I would class as friends and without Talk FC it is highly doubtful I would have met them.
Director
Chris Illingworth
Position: Centre back
Age: 53
Why I joined TALK FC
I've always loved football and played a lot over the years, but I hadn't played regularly for quite a while. Two years ago I was seriously ill with blood clots on my lungs, so getting back to being active became even more important to me. I first heard about Talk FC while out running with Scott, its founder, and as soon as he explained the idea, I knew I wanted to get involved.
What I get from attending
Talk FC has given me the chance to get back playing football, improve my fitness and be part of a brilliant group of blokes. The football is what brings us together, but it's the friendships and support that keep us coming back. We have a really active WhatsApp group where one minute we're taking the mickey out of each other's football ability, and the next we're supporting someone who's having a tough time. That balance sums up what Talk FC is all about.
The best thing about TALK FC
Watching Talk FC grow from a handful of players into a genuine community has been incredible. I've made some great friends through the group—people I probably would never have met otherwise, despite living just around the corner. Seeing the difference Talk FC makes, both on and off the pitch, and now helping it grow even further, makes me proud to be part of it.
Join us
Be part of a community that values both the game and mental wellbeing.
Reach out to us at talkfcic@gmail.com or fill in your details below.
