Leading UK stillbirth and neonatal death charity Sands and Surrey FA have teamed up to give men affected by the death of a baby a new way of receiving support through football.
Sands oversees and supports a UK wide initiative called Sands United.
With its roots within local communities, Sands United teams are a safe space where anyone affected by the death of a baby, but particularly men, can come together through a love of football or other team sports to offer one another companionship through a shared understanding of their unique journey through grief. The players also commemorate their babies’ all too brief lives by proudly displaying their names on their home and away shirts.
The partnership between Surrey FA and Sands means a new Sands United FC team will be launched in Guildford. This will be the latest addition to the growing network of Sands United teams that are rolling out across the UK.
Surrey FA and Sands are now recruiting a volunteer team manager to help run Sands United FC Guildford. The team manager will receive advice and support in getting set up and recruiting team members from Surrey FA and will have the full support of the charity Sands in helping local bereaved men cope with their loss.
Anyone interested in managing the team can find out more about the role here or email sands.united@sands.org.uk or ashley.gumbrell@surreyfa.com.
Ashley Gumbrell, Education and Workforce Manager at Surrey FA, said: “I had previously become aware of the work of Sands United FC as part of a 2020 BBC documentary which highlighted the work of the charity and its teams to support those suffering from loss and bereavement. The documentary struck a chord with myself and my wife through our experiences of multiple miscarriages during the early stages of pregnancy, and whilst directly supported by Sands at the time, I felt compelled to support similar initiatives locally.
We reached out to Sands United to begin the process of creating a network of local teams across Surrey. We hope that men and their families will come forward to be part of the first team in Surrey and replicate the great success seen elsewhere across the country.”
Clea Harmer, Chief Executive at Sands United, said: “We’re delighted that Surrey FA has given their support to getting Sands United FC Guildford onto the pitch. Sadly, the death of a baby is not rare. Every day in the UK around 14 babies die before, during, or soon after birth so support like this is vital to local parents and families when a baby dies the feelings of loneliness and isolation can be overwhelming and having other bereaved parents to talk to is vital, but dads can sometimes be overlooked or struggle to find ways of getting the support that suits them.
Sands is here for anyone affected by the death of a baby, through our free helpline, online forum, and network of local support groups and Sands United FC is a vital part of our bereavement support services.”
Sally Lockyer, Surrey FA CEO, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Sands to create a Sands United FC in Guildford. It is really important that together with Sands, we raise awareness of this issue as well as provide a place where men who have been through this tragic experience can come together through their love of football.
We encourage as many men as possible in the Guildford and nearby areas to join Sands United FC. We look forward to seeing this new partnership develops to supports dads and families across the County.”
Growing Sands United across the UK is part of Sands’ vision of a world where fewer babies die and when a baby does die, anyone affected receives the best possible care and support for as long as it’s needed. Find out more: www.sands.org.uk/sandsunited
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Contact information:
For further information about Sands United FC Guildford or to arrange an interview with a Surrey FA spokesperson contact Marcus Tyler on marcus.tyler@surreyfa.com or call 07809 409 215.
For further information about Sands and Sands United, please email media@sands.org.uk or call 07748 047337.
About Sands
Every day in the UK, 14 babies are stillborn or die shortly after birth.
Sands is the leading stillbirth and neonatal death charity and exists to reduce the number of babies dying and to support anyone affected by the death of a baby, before, during or shortly after birth.
Sands provides bereavement support services both nationally through its Freephone helpline, mobile app, online community and resources, and locally through a network of around 100 regional support groups based across the UK and run by trained befrienders.
Sands works in partnership with health care professionals, trusts and health boards and offers a range of training programmes and bereavement care resources to ensure that every bereaved parent and family receives the best possible care wherever they are in the UK.
Sands promotes and funds research to better understand the causes of baby deaths and save babies’ lives. The charity also raises awareness of baby loss and works with governments, key influencers and other stakeholders to make reducing the number of babies dying a priority nationally and locally.
Over the past 40 years, Sands has grown into a national charity with a powerful vision, to create a world where fewer babies die, shared by dedicated volunteers, fundraisers, members, donors, healthcare professionals, partners, staff and bereaved parents and families.
www.sands.org.uk #14babiesaday
About Surrey FA
Surrey FA is a charitable organisation, responsible for leading the development of grassroots football within Surrey, ensuring participation and enjoyment of football is for all. It is responsible for governing grassroots clubs, leagues, players and match officials across the county. Surrey FA seeks to improve opportunities and engagement for children and adults across the county and strives to positively influence participation for all in football regardless of age, ability, sex, sexual orientation, race, religion and socio-economic status. Within Surrey football there are 60,000 players, 700 clubs, 4,000 teams 18 leagues and 15 local authorities. We also deliver 28 County Cups.
