Ian Richardson

Ian is a former professional football player and he also player-managed Notts County in the 2004-2005 season.

One the Ball, is one of the longest running projects to use football as a way of engaging young men with mental health problems. In a non-clinical environment young men are given the opportunity to connect with more people with similar issues, in the hope of combating some of the social exclusion felt by those who have a mental health problem.

Most importantly, through feedback of participants, the language that surround football and banter is noted as one of the reasons why the project works. Ian, who is the activity manager, uses real life experiences such a premier league managers under significant stress, to engage young men and get them expressing emotion.