Photo caption: Clyde United and the Scottish Parliament MSP team.

A male's social alcohol habit developed into an addiction in 2013 after the death of his mother.

It resulted in him being hospitalised in 2016 following a seizure.

This led to a realisation he had to turn his life around and while in University Hospital Monklands he came into contact with the integrated addiction service which helped him get his addiction under control and introduced him to Clyde United.

Almost two years on, his life has completely transformed.

He said: “A large part of my recovery can be attributed to my involvement in the team and being physically active.

“I did have initial fears about getting involved as I was worried that if one of the lads went off the rails, I would join them and I’d be back to square one.

“But that just wasn’t the case as everyone is so friendly and supports one another.

“As we all have either mental health or addiction issues, there is a shared understanding that we never have alcohol during any social occasion we organise.

“They’ve also became good pals.”

Clyde United is the result of a partnership between NHS Lanarkshire,  North Lanarkshire Leisure (NLL) and Clyde FC Community Foundation.

Martin Tobin, healthcare support worker, helped set the team up.

Martin said: “We wanted to provide these individuals with a positive diversionary outlet to enable them to get fit and healthy and socialise with peers.

“Clyde and NLL got on board and we’re created something that has been integral to a transformation of so many men.”

To cap off a remarkable journey for the team, they recently picked up their first pieces of silverware and took on the Scottish Parliament MSP football team at Broadwood Stadium.

To find out more about Clyde United, contact: Sharon Gusman, Health Improvement practitioner on 0141 779 8199

Back to news