It started with six dads and a simple idea. Now, Forget-Me-Knot FC has grown into a group of about 36 fathers in England who meet regularly to talk, play football and support each other after the loss of a baby or child.

The group is based in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire and was founded in September 2025 by Sean Coleman, a dad who lost his baby and wanted to bring together other fathers who had been through similar experiences.

Member Aaron Way told PEOPLE the club was created to fill a gap many grieving fathers face.

“Losing a child can be incredibly isolating, and many men find it difficult to talk openly about their grief. The idea behind the club was simple: to create a safe space where men could come together, talk honestly, and play football,” said Way to PEOPLE, who lost his daughter Willow last August.

“What began as a small initiative has grown into a supportive community where dads who have experienced similar losses can connect and support each other through something familiar – football.”

Forget-Me-Knot FC was started with the help of Royal Stoke University Hospital, University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust and the Port Vale Foundation. The dads meet every other Monday evening at the Port Vale Foundation in Burslem, England.

What began with six members has grown to nearly 40, with some attending regularly and others joining when they can.

“Many of the early members found out about the group through word of mouth, the UHNM Charity bereavement team, or local support networks. As more people began sharing the positive impact the club was having, awareness spread through the community and social media, helping more dads discover the group,” Way said.

Each session starts with a conversation before anyone steps onto the pitch.

“Everyone sits together and shares how their week has been, whether that’s something difficult or something positive. It’s a safe space where people can speak openly without feeling judged,” Way said.

“After that, we head onto the pitch for a relaxed game of football. The focus isn’t competition – it’s connection.”

The support does not stop at the regular football sessions. Way said the dads also stay connected through community events and social activities.

“We raise awareness about baby loss, take part in community events, and sometimes play matches with similar teams. We also organize social activities throughout the month, such as meals out, snooker or pool nights,” he said.

“We aim to make sure everyone feels included, even if they’re unable to play football or attend the regular sessions.”

For Way, the strength of the club comes from shared experience.

“At Forget-Me-Knot FC, everyone understands that loss. That shared experience creates a strong sense of trust and openness. Football also plays a big role, giving people a healthy way to release stress, reconnect with others, and find moments of normality again while still honouring the memories of their children,” he said.

The group now hopes to keep growing and reach more families across the country.

“We also hope to continue building partnerships with organizations that support bereaved families and to keep raising awareness about baby loss and mental health,” Way said.

He said the club also wants to play matches against other teams set up for similar reasons.

Way said the recognition the group has received has been surprising, because the aim was never public attention.

“It was simply about supporting dads through the incredibly difficult journey of losing a baby or child,” he said.

“However, the attention it has received has been encouraging because it helps open up conversations about grief, especially for fathers. If that recognition helps even one person feel able to reach out for support, then it’s worthwhile.”

As the club keeps going, Way said the message to other grieving parents is simple.

“Grief doesn’t follow a timeline, and everyone processes it differently,” he said. “Talking to others who truly understand, whether through a support group, a community, or a team like ours, can make a huge difference. It’s okay to ask for help, and it’s okay to take things one day at a time.”

📸credit: Forget me knot FC Facebook