We Are Blackpool Football Therapy

Meet The Team

Our Session Leads

Alex E
Monday Night Mania Session lead

Age 37

Position: Winger

Alex Evenett

I joined BFT in 2023 and never looked back, join me on a monday for some fun football!

I was the player getting picked last throughout school, fell out of the game apart from occasional 5 a side kick about with friends.
Didn’t kick a ball for 15 years then following weight loss I needed something to keep me moving and help maintain.
I was recommended bft by a friend that plays their and apart from that I knew no one, having not grown up in Blackpool. It’s genuinely the best decision I’ve ever made, every single member has been welcoming, friendly and this group has given me the chance to enjoy football wether it be a session during the week right up to playing 11 a-aside in actual stadiums!

Mania is a class session where you can push your self and come out with a smile no matter the score.

Liam
Tuesday Night Session Lead

Age 17
Position RB

Liam Barrot

Well where do I start, you will probably know my dad… lol. I have been helping BFT now since I was about 14, running the line, coming to watch, generally helping where I can until the time I turned 16 and that was it, I absolutely love BFT and what it represents. My Tuesday session is the elite one, best of the rest, fast paced and technically high which we love but its also so much fun to be apart of.

 

Josh
Monday Night Raw Session Lead

Age 31
Position  ST / Wing

Josh Docherty

I have always loved football since a young age, taking part in any football events I could find. As I got a bit a older, finding a decent session with decent lads was hard to find. That is until I got involved with BFT! A great environment with top lads! When I started I was overweight and my football abilities were not where I wanted them to be, but with the support and encouragement from the BFT family that quickly changed. I am more confident in myself, both on and off the pitch, and I’m really enjoying football again. I look forward to every single session as it is a great hour away from all the stresses of life and it’s always a good laugh. I also love taking part in the 11s that is always a challenge but always just as fun! After about a year of playing I was asked to become a second in charge for one of the LITE sessions. I wanted to give something back to these amazing lads who had given me so much so I gladly helped out by writing match reports and taking the lead when needed. It wasn’t long before I was then asked to be the assistant manager for the 11s, which again I was more than happy to take on. I loved getting involved in running drills and shouting my heart out on the touchline and getting to know more of the BFT brothers. Shortly after this, I was asked if I wanted to lead my own session. BFT has given me so much since joining and I will do my very best to continue the growth of BFT. I will be there for all members of BFT just as they have always been there for me since I stepped through the door 🧡!!

Michael
Thurs Night Over 30s Session Lead

Age 49
Position GK

Monty

Life goal is just to try and make somebodies day better because I maybe the only person they see all day

I was asked to join BFT because I was in a bad place, with just having torn ligaments in my shoulder and was out of work for a year. My mental health at rock bottom and I came down and helped with the training session and was made to feel welcome with the lads being very supportive. Then I started to play in the session and enjoyed playing again which I never thought I would do. 

I was asked to help out when a session lead wasn’t available. I had just making sure the game ran well and create a short match report.  I then decided to take a full role as session lead, so I can help the lads enjoy a game of football and be there if they need anything and see the smiles and hear the laughter when they come off the pitch which makes you feel like you have done a worthwhile job.

William
Wednesday Night Lite Session Lead

Age 38
Position LB

I joined BFT in 2021, not long after it all began, and to be honest I’d never really had a proper hobby before. Football wasn’t even something I watched, let alone played. After having two children and running a business, I realised I needed something that was just for me. The gym never stuck and I’d never been part of a team sport, but eventually I found the courage to join a BFT session.

From the very first day I was welcomed in, even though I knew absolutely nothing about football. I didn’t know the terminology, the positions or even many of the players. The people at BFT taught me everything I know now. I’ve been playing two to three times a week ever since and I can finally say I’m actually a solid left back.

Looking back, it’s amazing what a bit of courage and a supportive community can do. BFT has become something I know I’ll stick with for life. If you’re reading this and unsure whether to join, just go for it. You won’t look back.

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Friday Night Fun Session

Age 
Position 

TBC

coming soon…..

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Daniel Smith.

Recreational club captain.
Position = Midfielder

At 34, my journey with football—which began at age eight and expanded into a decade of local coaching starting at 18—has found its most meaningful chapter yet. After a 14-month hiatus following the birth of my son, joining BFT was a transformative decision.
​This environment has been far more than a return to the pitch; it has provided a vital release from the demands of day-to-day life and served as a powerful tool for football therapy, allowing me to truly come out of my shell again. Since the summer of 2025, it has been a privilege to lead the recreation side as captain, fostering a space where players can grow both on and off the field. My commitment to this community is unwavering, and my inbox remains always open. Whether you have questions about BFT sessions or our 11-a-side teams, I am here to help you get involved.

Dan Beale.

Club Captain.
Position = Defender

I have loved football ever since I can remember from standing at the front of the old West Stand at Bloomfield Road to playing every chance that was made available to me. After quitting Sunday League quite early and playing less regularly after a while I found myself joining BFT which was a fantastic decision. Although I knew a few lads I felt comfortable and welcomed by every other member who I now call friends. I re-discovered my love for playing and in September I was given the honour of becoming a club captain for the competitive matches. Since joining BFT my mind has time to relax and forget about everything apart from what is playing out on the pitch and have also been helped physically. If anyone has any questions regarding the competitive team or even just need somebody to listen, my inbox is open to everyone.

Meet our Managers of our 11 a side Teams

Competitive Management Team

Manager: Mark Miles

Assistant Manager: Ste Clark

Recreational Managers

Joint Managers: Scott Craig & Ant Townend

Assistant: Stew Haslam

Meet The Committee

Scott Craig

 

Imran Dickinson

Andy Simpson
Head of Operations/Club Secretary

Age 37
Position CM/CDM/LB

I started with BFT after taking a 10 year hiatus from playing football having a couple of nasty injuries followed by starting a family had caused me to stop playing. I had gone through divorce and I was really struggling to find friends in Blackpool I was alone in a town away from my family so as soon as I came to my 1st session I got the message instantly it resonated with me and lived for my weekly sessions now I feel like I’m part of something it’s not just football it’s a brotherhood over the years I’ve become more passionate about the message the group sends out which has lead me to be more involved taking up various different roles starting as kit man moving on to recreational team manager and ending up as head of operations BFT has given me so much more than just a place to play football it’s given me friendship and family when I was at my lowest something I will be forever grateful for.

Stuart Haines
Non Exec Director & Web lead

Age 47
Position CM/CDM

Joined BFT in Oct 2022 

I joined BFT in order to release some stress, get myself fitter and make new friends. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve made.  I look forward to the weekly sessions and have had the honour to be selected to play for the 11s team.

I was asked to join the committee in 2023 and agreed in order to give something back to BFT

Paul Oldham
Commitee & Session Manager

Age 46
Position CB

I’ve played football for as long as I can remember. A few years ago, I came close to retiring, but then I found and became part of BFT. 

My goal is to continue to enjoy playing football for as long as possible and make BFT an enjoyable and inclusive place for everyone else to continue to enjoy the beautiful game

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The BFT Committee is a dedicated team at the heart of the BFT community, playing a pivotal role in fostering collaboration and decision-making. This committee is composed of a diverse group of members, each bringing unique insights and expertise, which is fundamental to the inclusive and democratic ethos of the BFT. The formation of a committee structure works exceptionally well for BFT members as it ensures a balanced representation of views and interests. Decisions within the BFT community are not made unilaterally; instead, they are the result of a collective voting process by the committee, reflecting a commitment to democracy and fair representation. 

 

BFT Chairman & Founder

Ant Barrot

Age 44
Position CM/CDM

Blackpool Football therapy was founded in 2021, I have played football since I was a young boy its always been in my life, being a part of a team and a group of people was my weekend whether it be junior football or Saturday, Sunday league it was my place where I was at my happiest. However upon retiring at age 37 I had a few years without it in life, I tried various other sports including boxing, running and even table tennis to get me out of the house and give me a hobby , having suffered with anxiety and depression for years I hit a low in 2019 and started playing again for numerous organisations like man v fat and Kickabout and it was then that I wanted to do my own thing and BFT was created. Our “sessions” are called that for a specific reason its not training, it’s a session of football with reason being to get your “release” from your life whether that be work family or even financial for this one hour of football you become that kid again your just a right back or forward trying to score goals concentrating on this little round ball you forget everything else. This 60 mins will change your perspective and if you come off smiling like you’ve had the best day in the world then its worked. I am extremely proud of Blackpool Football Therapy and its achievements around the community and we remain steadfast in our plans to help men in Blackpool improve their mental health, being the 1st football group to tackle this stigma is a proud achievement in its self and we are still going to this day so if your sat on the couch thinking I can’t play anymore but i miss the beautiful game why not dust those boots off and come meet us.