A SPORTS group for dads is looking for new members to join its new football sessions in Blackburn.

The group is run by local Dadsnet member Graham Sims, who started his own group in Preston in 2016.

The 39-year-old is now helping with football sessions at The Bric in Ewood which gives new dads somewhere to talk and play sports.

Dad to two-year-old daughter Chloe, Mr Sims has been married to Nikki for seven years and says fathers are sometimes ignored in the parenting world.

He said: “The group was just four dads in a park before and now we have a sponsorship and 10 to 20 dads a week.

“The reason I started it is because I’m overweight and didn’t have a lot of friends plus I missed playing football.

"So I came up with the idea of a kickabout and wanted it to be fun football for all ages skill sets and fitness levels.

“It’s a good feeling to have a social circle again, and hopefully get a little fitter in the process.”

Running the new Blackburn kickabout is 26-year-old Dom Allen, who has two boys aged three and four.

He said: “Me and my wife have been through a lot with them.

“During the first pregnancy we were told to abort the pregnancy as they thought he had part of his brain missing, but we didn’t listen got a second opinion and he is perfectly healthy.

"The second time, my wife was 20 minutes from dying after giving birth.

"These experiences have made me realise why mental health is a massive issue for dads as there is no support.

"A kickabout just for dads is a great way for us to get away from it all and just have fun.

The Blackburn Dads play at the Bric Ewood on a Wedneday at 8pm and a Burnley group plays on Saturday mornings at 10am.

For those looking to join, visit facebook.com/groups/TheDadsnetLancashire