Winchester City Flyers Ladies First Team last played back in December, lying fourth in the now null and void Premier Division of the Southern Region Women’s Football League.

Alongside their own daily pressures of a lockdown life the team has been training together virtually, with weekly zoom fitness regimes and remote strength and conditioning mentoring.

The mental wellbeing of the players has been given extra attention also with one player, Becky Harris, committing to undertake the National Three Peaks 24-Hour Challenge in aid of the charity, Mind.

Tash Angel on left and Becky Harris. Picture by Gary Marsh

Tash Angel on left and Becky Harris. Picture by Gary Marsh

Tony Panteli, first team manager and vice-chairman, said that mental health is high on the agenda at the Flyers.

He said: “I’m one of two qualified Mental Health First Aiders here.

“Across the 23 teams the managers and coaches are encouraged to be mindful and inclusive of our players needs.

“In particular, as we get back to social and competitive sport, it’s on the committee and club agenda to remind managers to be sensitive to players returning after a while away.

“No intense fitness drills, fun and fitness in equal measure. This period has been tough on us all in so many ways so we have to support each other and community sport can do that really well”.

Becky Harris. Picture by Gary Marsh

Becky Harris. Picture by Gary Marsh

Primary Schools PE teacher and Flyer’s right back, Becky Harris, has teamed up with her old team mate from their days at Southampton Women’s FC, Tash Angel, learning and development coordinator for UK Sport.

Together they are taking on the Three Peaks 24-Hour Challenge.

Tash outlines the task ahead: “We start in Scotland with Ben Nevis, then head to the Lake District to climb Scafell Pike that same night before setting off to Snowdon for our final climb whilst the sun is rising.

“Hopefully we’ll be awake enough by that point to fully enjoy the view!”.

Becky Harris vs Bursledon. Picture by Gary Marsh

Becky Harris vs Bursledon. Picture by Gary Marsh

Becky added: “We chose to raise money for Mind as we feel it’s a charity that resonates with everyone in some way.

“Especially over the last year where everyone has had to take care of their mental health as well as their physical health to get through the strangest year.

“Having been aware of Mind for a number of years, we’ve been inspired by the number of support channels they offer”.

Debra Ramchurn, chief executive of Hampshire charity AndoverMind, said: “After temporarily suspending all face-to-face appointments at the start of the first lockdown, we have spent most of the past year supporting people virtually by phone, video call, email and text.

“We have now reopened our well-being centres on April 12 and the support from people like Becky and Tash will help to ensure we continue to be there for those who need us.”

For more information, or to donate, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/3peaksbeckytash.