'We're the football club that nobody wants to sign for'
"We always say, it's the club that nobody wants to sign for."
Jack Wingate plays for SANDS United Basingstoke, which was set up to help men support each other through the trauma of baby loss.
The Hampshire team has more than 50 members who hold weekly training sessions and aim to play twice a month.
Founded by Stephen Kelly after he lost his daughter Amelia Grace Kelly in October 2020, it has become a lifeline to many men in the area.
"It's been an emotional journey, but it is something that I can use to represent Amelia and do something in her memory," he says.
The team has a mixed set of abilities, from people who have never played like Stephen, to players like Jack, who used to play academy-level football for Reading FC, before moving to AFC Wimbledon.
"It's the most special type of experience, playing at a professional club," Jack says.
"But it's a highly pressured environment where this is the complete opposite.
"You feel welcome, you feel safe and you feel like everyone genuinely cares about you."
Barry Lee-Harris had never played football before joining the team, but says the sport became a positive outlet for him.
The sessions have also become a safe space for the players to open up about their mental health following their losses.
"We have a support chat within our group as well," Jack says.
"We've had instances where two or three of the boys have really got round another one of the lads, when they've really needed it."
Barry says: "I don't really talk about feelings much, but since SANDS United has been going on, I've started to open up a bit more.
"I've started to talk to a couple of guys in the group so it's really good that I've got that support around me as well."
Stephen has been nominated for a BBC Radio Berkshire Make a Difference Award in the Active category.
The award ceremony will take place in September.
Kelly said: It's amazing, it's fantastic. I'm so proud of it and I didn't expect it to get to the level it is.
"It's something that I can use to represent Amelia and if I'm giving everyone else the opportunity to represent their angels, and make a positive outlet for such a traumatic experience. That's all I ever want."