Just wanted to provide an update on where we’re up to with the man club…
I was contacted by AMC today and they are delighted to set up a group in Gloucester. They take the set up very seriously though and it usually takes about 3 months from start to finish, but they have said based on what I told them that they’ll fast track things if they can. They take care of the launch, organising the social media and we’ll have a pop up tent in the City centre or Quays nearer the time to raise awareness.
I’m still hoping the meetings can be held at the football club. Of course meetings will be open to all men, but my main focus is football fans and supporting the club with its community presence.
Myself and other facilitators have to attend 8 group sessions and receive training before we can start, so I will be attending my first meeting on Monday.
We will be running another matchday awareness session, but given the above, this will likely now be on 10th Feb rather than 3rd Feb, as the meeting on Monday will give me a better understanding of what we’ll be offering and I can share more specific information with anyone interested.
I post on another forum and someone on there posted about their experience with Andy's Man Club. I won't repeat everything they said, but these two final sentences seem quite poignant:
Quote:I can't believe that one session has changed so much but it has given me if not a light at the end of the tunnel, certainly a tiny sliver of light that things can change.
It took some courage to get there, but it looks like Andy's Man Club could just work for me.
I think it's fantastic what you're trying to do T-End is in sight, and I hope people feel up to attending.
(31-01-2024, 08:57 AM)Si Robin Wrote: [ -> ]I post on another forum and someone on there posted about their experience with Andy's Man Club. I won't repeat everything they said, but these two final sentences seem quite poignant:
I think it's fantastic what you're trying to do T-End is in sight, and I hope people feel up to attending.
Thanks for sharing this Si, it’s much appreciated. Stories like this confirm it’ll be time well spent getting this in place and acts as a real motivator to get started.
That is great news, Ad. I noticed AMC have a lot of groups up north but not much around here, so it's excellent they are keen to launch in Glos.
Wouldn't it be great if a load of blokes turned up, made some friends & then started following City as a result?
(31-01-2024, 11:43 AM)Gok Wan City Fan Wrote: [ -> ]That is great news, Ad. I noticed AMC have a lot of groups up north but not much around here, so it's excellent they are keen to launch in Glos.
Wouldn't it be great if a load of blokes turned up, made some friends & then started following City as a result?
Lol, absolutely. I obviously want this to be for City fans and those of us in attendance will be able to talk about the friendships and camaraderie built up from supporting the club and how it can act as release for a few hours from the struggles we may be facing in our lives. Obviously City often adds to those struggles but hopefully most people keep that in perspective, although for some City is what they live for so moods can be influenced by what’s going on at the club.
Total admiration and respect for what you are doing here.
Fair play for taking the time and effort to set this Up,Im Sure you will help a lot of people through this.
Thank you for the kind words. We will be looking for additional facilitators if others want to help out. I’d also like to get people in for talks if I can, say a financial advisor for money worries, a PT to talk about fitness and mental well-being etc. if anyone has other ideas for inspirational people who can share experiences that would be appreciated. We can also do things like tidying up the stadium as a way of giving people a sense of purpose…for group attendees who want to get involved.
Bump - just to remind that Nathan and I will be in the bar from 1-2.15pm tomorrow, before our game versus South Shields if anyone fancies a chat. We can chat about our plans with Andy’s Man Club and/or talk about how your week has been. We’re all very good at venting on here / social media but it can be even more cathartic in person.
As I may have said before, approaching people uninvited is right outside my usual comfort zone; I will try, but in case I don’t, you’ll see our signs between the exit door and the toilets. Would love to speak to someone I’ve not spoken to.
Hope you’ve all had a good week and City make it even better come 5pm tomorrow, but if not, it’s okay to talk.
Adam & Nathan
Not sure anyone’s noticed, but I’m usually a pretty upbeat sort of chap, but after the last week, I think I might need a chat and possibly a hug if possible Adam.