SANDS United Cardiff

Feileacain Fathers vs SANDS United Cardiff - May 30th 2020 - Postponed due to COVID19

The fixture is now due to take place in the summer of 2021. Any funds raised will help fund the fixture

SANDS United Cardiff are honoured to be invited to play in a Charity Football match in Dublin at the world famous Dalymount Park (Home to Ireland's Premier football club Bohemians).

The game will bring together bereaved fathers from both sides of the Irish sea, to play a game in memory of our Angels, and to help raise awareness of Babyloss and supporting Men's mental health.

Any funds raised will be used to support the team going to Dublin but in addition,  we aim to make a substantial charitable contribution to both National Stillbirth charities in Ireland and the UK - Féileacáin and SANDS. 

213 miles for Sands United Cardiff’s Angels

Sands United Cardiff FC is a unique way for dads and other bereaved family members to come together through a shared love of sport and find a support network where they can feel at ease talking about their grief when they’re ready. In the space of a little over 6 months, it has proved to be an invaluable support network for bereaved fathers. I lost my son Jude, who was stillborn on 4th November 2014. Despite the pain I experience every day with Jude not being with me, the loss I have experienced has encouraged me to help others manage their pain and grief with this team.

In honour of all the bereaved fathers and uncles of SANDS United Cardiff FC, I have been running 3 miles for each of our squad’s babies during my lunch break in work. This has resulted in 120 miles for our team in Cardiff.

I am now running 3 miles for each of the Angel's from the founders of each SANDS United team across the UK (25 + teams at the moment).

My main goal is to raise awareness for bereaved fathers and the impact this loss has on a man’s mental health. It is ok to not be ok, it is ok to cry and it is to ask for help. Please feel free to share this through any social media platforms. However, should you wish to make a small donation, please feel free to do so? Any funds raised will go towards the teams end of year trip to play in a charity game in Dublin with a contribution to SANDS and Féileacáin (Irish equivalent of SANDS). This will also include raising further awareness as well as fundraising for baby loss and support for fathers and other bereaved family members).

Thank you for your support.

Stephen Doran

Chairman - Sands United Cardiff FC

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/cardiff-sands-football-baby-stillborn-16378083
https://www.itv.com/news/wales/2019-10-14/people-don-t-know-what-to-say-to-you-breaking-down-the-barriers-over-baby-loss/



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WHY SANDS UNITED FC?
Sadly, the death of a baby is not a rare event and every 90 minutes in the UK – the length of a football match – a baby dies shortly before, during or soon after birth.

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 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.

We know that some men can struggle to talk about how they’re feeling after the death of a baby. We hope that by building trust and a common bond, by playing together as a team, many more will be able to break their silence about baby loss and help others to do the same.

Playing team sports can aid the grieving process by helping lift someone’s mood, give them a focus, help with sleep problems, and reduce feelings of isolation. Sands United FC has already saved the lives of men left feeling like they had no one to turn to in their grief.

We are looking at raising funds initially to help with start up costs of a new SANDS United team based in Cardiff.  Funds will initially help with equipment costs, playing kit, league registration fees, hire of training and matchday facilities, and other associated expenses regarding setting up a new Football team.  Any excess in funds raised will be donated to the SANDS Charity.