Dan Diack
Digital Content Officer
The Kickabout Aberdeen (TKA) was formed at the height of the Covid pandemic in September 2020 under its previous name of Team Kickabout. 
A chance meeting between our two founders, Dave and Paul, born about an idea of the use of football as a weekly escape for local dads, stepdads and carers. This all being for the betterment of men’s mental health.
The group has two nights of weekly kickabouts, on Tuesday at ASV and Thursday at 5ives. This regularly sees 40 guys over the two nights come along and play football. No matter the experience, ability or fitness level, everyone is welcomed into the TKA family, with the ability to cross the white line of a football pitch and let the trouble and stresses of life disappear being second to none.
A former classmate asked me to go along as they were short on numbers one week (certainly not an issue now). From the beginning, I was made to feel very welcome by everyone and have integrated to the TKA family. What I love about the group, as well as the friendly nature, is that the kickabouts are not taken too seriously, and being someone who has never set the world alight with their footballing ability, this has made me feel relaxed and I really enjoy playing football again.
I am so glad I joined TKA and recently I have been asked to take on their social media on a voluntary basis which I am thoroughly enjoying and a role I am thriving in. If you would like to see the work we do, check out our social media channels below.
I have been into football since the age of four or five and supported Aberdeen, for my sins, for those 30 years since I got involved with the beautiful game. It is safe to say there have been highs and lows (unfortunately more lows) while supporting the Dons but it is great to see how the team is playing this season and has the Red Army dreaming of silverware. Football is something my wife Nicola and I enjoy, with trips to Pittodrie and Hampden and we are both excited for Tyler and Freddie’s first matches.
Being part of TKA has a huge benefit. Being on a football pitch for an hour once or twice a week makes all other thoughts and feeling just disappear and it is incredible what a game with TKA does for me. As someone who suffers with some mental health issues, it is a great escape from being inside my own mind. This is something I was very quiet about previously until I was interviewed by a friend for their podcast a few years ago, where I opened up publicly for the first time about my struggles.
It has also a positive impact on my physical health. Along with eating better and going to ASV two or three times per week, I am feeling and seeing the benefits of it. Now I just have the dark nights and Christmas sweeties to fend off to keep on the right track!
I love being part of the TKA family and have made some great friends through it. I was really nervous about playing an XI game, but did this against NHS a few weeks ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. The encouragement from the lads didn’t go unnoticed and was greatly appreciated. Being made captain for my debut was also a nice touch. The positive impact it has on me was immense and I was on such a high.
The idea behind creating a group exclusively for dads, stepdads, and caregivers was to provide a unique space that wasn’t just a traditional kickabout; it’s about more than just playing football.
The group recognises that fatherhood often comes with its own set of stresses and challenges, and we want to foster an open environment where men can share their experiences, seek support and discuss their struggles with those who truly understand—other dads facing similar situations. Whether they are single dads, separated dads, or fathers of young children and teenagers, this group creates a strong sense of community, encouraging meaningful conversations on the sidelines, in group chats, and during gatherings, ultimately helping each other navigate the complexities of parenting together.
If you have thoughts about joining a group or taking up a new hobby, go for it! The physical and mental health benefits are superb and I love being part of TKA.
As men, we aren’t always great at speaking about feelings, but there is always someone there for you. As someone who kept my struggles silent for many years, it has helped to no end being able to chat about these with colleagues and friends who are there for you and only want the best for you. It is okay not to be okay. To quote our TKA motto, we are all #InItTogether.
Facebook – The Kickabout Aberdeen – TKA
X - @tka2023
Instagram – thekickaboutaberdeen
12 November 2024