Stay And Play

Helen, England

Goal Click and the Premier League Charitable Fund (PLCF) collaborated on a campaign to showcase the powerful impact of the Premier League and Professional Footballers’ Association (PL PFA) Community Fund.

Six individuals from Aston Villa Foundation, Palace for Life Foundation and Wolves Foundation have documented the activities made possible by the PL PFA Community Fund and the impact the programme has made on their personal lives. Helen and her young daughter Mila are part of the Wolves Foundation Healthy Goals programme to create a support network for individuals and families adapting to parenthood.

Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your current involvement with football and Healthy Goals?

My name is Helen, and I am a mum to Mila who is nearly two. We started attending Healthy Goals sessions with Wolves Foundation back in June 2022 when Mila was just 11 months old. We started attending a session in East Park, really enjoyed it and started coming along to the playgroup at Molineux. It is great now that Mila is a bit older, so she can get involved in the range of sessions offered such as dance, swimming and trips to the park. 

What did you try to show with the photos? Was there any wider meaning with the photos?

The photos were taken at the weekly ‘Stay and Play’ we attend at Molineux and show the children having fun and learning through play. The main people in the photos are Mila’s friends and Healthy Goals staff. They facilitate a safe, supportive environment that supports all aspects of development. All of the families that attend the session are lovely and make every week enjoyable for both of us. 

I wanted to take photos at the ‘Stay and Play’ group to highlight the supportive environment at Molineux and how much fun we have every week. I am not a football fan as such, but I can see the difference the club makes to the community and the positive impact it has on people’s lives. 

How has participating in the Healthy Goals project created a sense of belonging for you?

I have made so many new friends as a result of the project. We have created our own WhatsApp group “Molineux Tots” where we share funny stories, offer each other support and arrange days out with our babies. 

Sometimes we go to soft play or a walk and play in the park. We will also go to each other’s houses from time to time too, to get the kids together and enjoy a coffee and a chat.

What impact has Wolverhampton and Healthy Goals had on you and Mila? 

Healthy Goals has had a brilliant impact on both of us, definitely for me socially, but for Mila I feel all areas of her development are supported. We both love coming to the sessions every week, it gives us both a “set routine”. I like that other things are offered like the dance classes, pumpkin picking and seasonal activities. 

My happiest memories are watching Mila develop through all of the activities and resources. Mila has learnt how to interact and develop lovely friendships with children her own age which is heartwarming. 

How has Healthy Goals supported you in adapting to being a parent and how has it supported your child’s development?

Healthy Goals has helped me navigate motherhood because being around other parents of similarly aged children is helpful as we are dealing with the same challenges and milestones together. As a group, we share advice, guidance, and top tips. This support network with staff and parents is invaluable, along with having a safe and supportive space to socialise and interact with other like-minded parents and carers. 

The programme has helped Mila continue to develop by establishing a solid routine. She is able to socialise and learn new skills that she cannot learn playing on her own, like sharing and making friends. It has also given her the opportunity to take part in activities that support all aspects of her development. 

I hope to continue attending the group, making more friends and developing a sense of community whilst watching and supporting Mila as she grows.

What do you think the future looks like in Wolverhampton and in England? What do you want to change? 

Going forward it would be nice if there were more free opportunities for children to play in parks that are clean, modern and not vandalised in any way. I would like to see more little parks with playgrounds and plenty of opportunities for children to be safe, learn and develop.