DREAM:INSPIRE:ACHIEVE
Who Is Destiny United Fc
Destiny United FC represents a pioneering fusion of football and mental health advocacy in Scotland. Co-founded by former professional footballer Garry O'Connor and Andrew Stevenson, CEO of The Destiny Project SCIO, the club competes in the groundbreaking Scottish Mental Health and Wellbeing League. This innovative sporting initiative tackles stigma through community-driven football, creating safe spaces for players while raising public awareness about psychological wellbeing. The team's distinctive approach transforms the beautiful game into both competitive sport and therapeutic outlet, championing mental health support through grassroots athletic participation.
Message from Destiny United Co Founder - Andrew Stevenson
📣 Meet Destiny United: Where Football Meets Mental Health Support! ⚽️💙
Based right here in Portobello, we’re a gender-neutral club smashing barriers in Scotland’s Mental Health & Wellbeing League!
Founded in 2023 by ex-pro Garry O’Connor and The Destiny Project SCIO CEO Andrew Stevenson, we turn kickabouts into lifelines.
🌟 Why join us?
✅ Safe spaces where football = therapy
✅ Open to ALL (18+) – skills don’t matter; winning battles off the pitch does!
✅ Compete with purpose 🤝
👉 Andrew Stevenson’s mission:
“I built this club to create a safe space. Get fitter, learn the game, and smash mental health stigma – through actions, not just words.”
🔥 Ready to rewrite your story?
Pop down Sundays, 5-6pm @ Powerleague Portobello!
Even just for a blether – you’ll be sprinting with us in no time! 👋
#MentalHealthMatters #CommunityFootball #YouBelongHere #ScottishFootball #DreamInspireAchieve
CJ Medical Charles Reynolds Foundation
Message from Club Chair and Wellbeing Officer - John Tonner
⚽️ Feeling lost? Here's how football unites communities 🌍💙
Destiny United FC: Where grassroots football challenges mental health stigma directly 👊
Club Chairman & Well-being Officer John Tonner's Journey:
"I joined DUFC in January 2024 after a player reached out. Finally, I found somewhere my struggles weren’t judged 🙌
After a decade in the military and being medically discharged in 2022 with PTSD, Moderate Depressive Disorder, and Anxiety, I felt completely adrift... until Destiny United found me.
This club didn’t just give me a sense of purpose – it gave me hope! I'm now proud to serve as Chairman & Well-being Officer, helping others to Dream, Inspire, and Achieve again🔥"
Why choose Destiny United?
📍 Portobello-based!
⚖️ We’re a gender-neutral club breaking barriers!
❤️🩹 Competing in Scotland’s Mental Health & Wellbeing League!
🔗 Creating safe spaces where football is therapy
💬 Open to everyone; it doesn't matter about footballing ability—what matters most is winning the battles off the pitch!
The story of Destiny United:
• Founded in 2023 by ex-pro Garry O’Connor & The Destiny Project SCIO CEO Andrew Stevenson
• Turning casual kickabouts into community lifelines 🤝
John’s Final Word:
"Without DUFC? I wouldn’t be here. That’s why I fight to make every newcomer feel welcome, seen, and hopeful ✨"
Are you ready to rewrite your story? ⚽️💙
Pop down Sundays from 5-6pm @ Powerleague – even just for a chat, it won't be long until you're running up and down the pitch with the rest of us👋
#MentalHealthMatters #CommunityFootball #youbelonghere #mentalhealthandwellbeing #scottishfootball #DreamInspireAchieve
CJ Medical Charles Reynolds Foundation
Poster
📢 Kicking Off Mental Health Conversations! ⚽️
Destiny United FC – a football club tackling mental health stigma.
🔹 Co-founded by ex-pro footballer Garry O'Connor & Andrew Stevenson (CEO of The Destiny Project).
🔹 We play in Scotland’s unique Mental Health and Wellbeing League.
🔹 We create a safe space for players while raising awareness through sport.
Our vision? Football as therapy ⚽️❤️🩹 – turning grassroots games into powerful support systems.
None of the this would be possible if it wasn't for our friends and sponsors CJ Medical and Charles Reynolds Foundation.
Recruitment
🌟 Seeking football enthusiasts over the age of 17!
Destiny United FC is eagerly searching for team members with varying skills and a shared commitment to mental health advocacy! 💨💪
We are a determined group participating in the Scottish Mental Health and Wellbeing League.
Our mission is to not only dominate the football field but also to dismantle the barriers surrounding mental health! 💥💥
Ready to become a part of our inclusive, supportive football community? We are seeking individuals who have personally experienced mental health challenges or those who just want to play football for a team that’s dedicated to breaking the barriers of mental health! 🤩👥💚
Let's combine our efforts for a cause that transcends the sport itself. Together, we can #DreamInspireAchieve through football! ⚽️💥🏃♂️
Don't wait! Reach out to us via direct message to begin your journey with Destiny United FC today! 💨💨💨
To find out more reach out to us on our Facebook page here:
Volunteer With Destiny United
Destiny United relies on passionate volunteers to drive our community programmes forward. From coordinating fundraising events to tackling essential admin tasks, your involvement directly supports our mission to empower vulnerable groups across Edinburgh and The Lothians.
We're seeking committed individuals who can spare a few hours weekly – your skills could make all the difference.