EASI is a group made up of health and community groups from 12 European countries who promote sport to improve the well-being of people with mental health issues and learning disabilities. The tournament brought together groups of people from across Europe and the globe and this year it was held on the training pitches at Oakwell, the football ground of Barnsley FC.
The aim of the tournament was to enhance social participation through sport, for those experiencing mental health problems. In addition to local teams like Cygnet Oaks there was also a refugee side and players from Scotland, Norway and the Netherlands.
“Meeting other people with mental health issues and illnesses was brilliant, it was great to be able to play together.”Service user, Cygnet Oaks
A total of 25 sides took part with each team being allocated a country to represent that is taking part in the FIFA World Cup 2018. The team from Cygnet Oaks were drawn to represent Colombia.
The men from Cygnet Oaks did themselves proud and reached the final of the silver cup but unfortunately lost in a tense match. The team were presented with medals and a trophy at the end of the tournament.
Well done to everyone who took part.