Sands United FC teams are volunteer led. Our incredible Sands United Team Managers dedicate their time and energy to create safe spaces for men to come together.  

The best thing is that because teams are volunteer led, it means that each team is able to create a community unique to them, and to the needs of the men who come to the team for support. Some teams are part of their local FA and play in a league, others focus on ‘kick around’ style games.  

Fancy a chat and to find out more? Fill in our Sands United Manager 'Expression of Interest' form and we’ll be in touch for a conversation where we can tell you more about what it means to become a Sands United Team Manager and for you to ask questions. 

What being a Sands United Team Manager involves: 

  • Creating opportunities through training, kick arounds, and matches, for men to remember their babies, and share their experiences of grief, receiving support from you as the Team Manager and from their teammates
  • Management of SUFC Team social media channels, we’ve got social media guidance to help you do this
  • Using Sands materials to signpost players, and their families, to other Sands support, such as the Helpline or written materials
  • With support from the staff team, promoting your Sands United team to recruit new players and promote the support Sands offers

What qualities make a great Team Manager: 

  • Empathy and positive attitude to others
  • The ability to actively listen to the experiences of others without judgement, even if their experience differs from your own
  • The confidence and understanding to recognise and challenge any discriminatory behaviour e.g. racism, sexism or homophobia and to seek support from Sands staff
  • Good time management and general organisational skills 
  • You’ll be someone who leads by example, has a strong sense of teamwork, and listens to the views of others in the team

What you can expect from us:

  • Induction, training and learning opportunities, including safeguarding, inclusion, supporting others through grief
  • Dedicated bereavement support for you from our Sands United Wellbeing Coordinator 
  • Guidelines and the know-how to manage expenses and finances for your team  

To talk to one of our team about setting up a team near you by contacting sands.united@sands.org.uk

Or you fill in our 'Sands United Team Manager Expression of Interest' form.  

If you feel that being a Sands United Team Manager isn’t right for you, that’s ok. You may want to find another way to get involved with Sands.