For many patients, spending day after day in a clinical environment can be tough.

While they are there to take steps forward with regards to their long-term health, many would prefer to be outside doing something they love.

This is something that Warren Thompson, who works as an occupational therapist at Carlisle’s Carleton Clinic, realised nearly three years ago and decided to do something to help.

“I was playing a bit of football myself and thought that it might benefit some of the guys up at the clinic if they could do the same,” he explains.

“That’s how all of this started out. John Halpin from Carlisle United got involved and we came down for a bit of a kickabout. They put on weekly sessions for us and that soon progressed. After that, that’s when we decided to set up a team.

“We’ve been going since January 2013 and had quite a mix over the years of both patients and outpatients and some of the lads who come down are also autistic. We welcome anyone who wants to come along and join in.”

Working in partnership with both Carlisle United and the Cumberland FA, the group trains at the Neil Sports Centre in the shadows of Brunton Park every Tuesday and takes part in tournaments throughout the country.

“There’s clubs all over the place in a similar position to us,” Warren adds. “We’ve played the likes of Everton and Wrexham before.

“It’s great for the lads to get out and about doing something they love. We’ve had a lot of help along the way from John as well as James Tose, who is part of the community sports trust.

“For a lot of the lads, something like this gives them something to focus on and gets them away from sitting in front of the television or computer.

“For those who have anxiety issues, it’s a chance for them to come out in an environment where they don’t necessarily feel other pressures and can be relaxed. It’s very much a different atmosphere from your usual game.”

Eventually Warren calls time on the game taking place, which is not lacking in intensity, and the players - of which there are 18 involved in total -– come over to swap places.

Those who have been waiting patiently on the sidelines are quick to take to the pitch and show off their skills, while others await a well-deserved rest. Each game lasts five minutes, meaning that everyone gets plenty of minutes under their belt and that the pitch is not too crowded.

Among those taking part is Warren’s son, Reeve, who he says is an excellent example on how football can have a positive impact on a person’s wellbeing.

“These sessions have really been the making of him,” he says. “He’s a completely different person since he started coming here. As part of a mainstream group, he was very reserved and felt vulnerable.

“That isn’t the case here, though. Everyone looks out for one another and Reeve’s confidence has just soared. He’s a completely different person in this environment. As his dad, it’s something that I’m absolutely delighted about.”

Ricky Hodgson has been heading down to the sports centre to play on a weekly basis for the past couple of years. The 28-year-old, who lives in Upperby, says that the chance to play football is having another significant impact on his health.

“I’ve lost about five stones since I started coming here. Hopefully I’ll keep it up and lose a bit more.

“It’s a great way to stay healthy, get some exercise and also get out of the house. Some weeks there’s about 30 of us coming down so that’s how popular it is.”

Lee Burgess, who is 23 and also from Upperby agrees.

“I love coming down here every week,” he says. “I like playing as a defender. It’s a great way to get some exercise every week and also to meet new people as well. It’s competitive but good fun at the same time.”

“It’s great to get everyone together, I think we all look forward to it every week,” adds Neil Richardson, as he comes across to swap bibs with another player ready to take to the pitch.

Nineteen-year-old Connor Fitzsimmons, from Botcherby, is one of those who has really seized the opportunity to spend some time outside a clinic environment.

“I’m in there at the minute under going rehabilitation for drugs,” he explains. “Most of my days are spent in meetings, which can be boring so any chance I get to come out I take up. It makes a big difference to your day and I’d play more often if I could.

“It’s a great way to keep fit and also get a bit of exercise while you’re there. It’s been a massive help towards my rehabilitation - it’s made a huge difference. It’s also keeping people off the streets and out of trouble as well.”

The spirit and unity among the group is so strong that one of those playing has not spent time in the clinic, nor is he on the autism spectrum.

Chris Fiddler, who is 32, originally went along to one of the sessions with his friend, who has since stopped playing.

“I just got into it to support my pal, really,” he says. “After a while he dropped out and stopped playing but I kept coming along because I enjoy it so much.”

Chris says that one of the main things which has appealed to him over time is the camaraderie between those who turn up each week.

He adds: “It’s just an excellent group of lads. Everyone seems to get on so well with one another and has a laugh. I’ll keep coming as long as this is going and support Warren and the group.”