A group of dads who have lost a child has formed a football team in Kent.

Sands United has been set up in the county after the success of the charity's other team in Northampton.

One of the aims is to bring together men who have all experienced the same grief, giving them someone to talk to about it.

Find out more about the team here

Mike Pollard, player manager from East Peckham, said: “Sands United was set up as a way to get dads to talk, after baby loss. Everyone has an onus on the mums and as wonderful as that is, there isn’t a great deal of support out there - dad- specific.

“I've never spoken to many people in a similar situation and what better way to bring people together than with a bit of football."

In October 2016 Mike's wife fell pregnant, but 19 weeks into her pregnancy she gave birth to twin boys who were stillborn. Last year, the couple found out they were expecting again, however in August - six months into the pregnancy - she had another stillborn baby.

He added: “Everyone has their own unique situation. There are so many different stories, so many unique experiences but there’s nothing better than knowing on your message group you can just put a message saying ‘I’m having a really bad day’ and there’s all the boys who are there for you and know what to say.”

There’s no pressure on anyone to speak up about their loss. They can simply play football.

Jack Brockman, 24, from Canterbury, is the captain of the team. He lost his daughter when she was 3 months old.

He said: “I honestly didn’t speak to anyone but I’ve joined this group and opened up to these lads. It’s been a massive help to be able to talk about it.

“Women have got women to talk to, men toughen up, men don’t talk about it – but it’s time to open up and talk about it now and get out there, feel better.

“I listened and it made me open up and speak to the lads and I do feel better. Just come out here and play football. Have fun, have a laugh. I’ve made loads more friends out of it.”

The team is aiming to get some sponsorship and join the Maidstone and Mid Kent Sunday league in September.

They train on Tuesday evenings at Maidstone YMCA.