Fleet manager teams up with fellow bereaved fathers to form Angels United Football Club

Angels United FC (often described as “the club you wish you weren’t a part of”) was born from a place of profound grief. Oliver Monk, Fleet Manager at FORS Accredited Lanes Group, co-founded the club alongside 12 other bereaved fathers after experiencing the devastating loss of a child. Now serving as Chair, his mission is simple but powerful: no family should face that pain alone.The charity harnesses the unifying power of football to break the silence surrounding baby and child loss. It provides a safe, supportive space where dads and families can talk openly, connect with others who understand, and begin to heal. Since its founding, Angels United FC has supported more than 200 families navigating bereavement.At its core, Angels United is a peer-to-peer support network built by fathers who share the same heartbreaking experience - the loss of a baby or child, at any stage of pregnancy or life. Through football, the group works to #BreakTheSilence, creating conversations one kick at a time.

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The idea began on 13 October 2020, when 13 dads formed a WhatsApp group to explore how football could be used as a support system. Less than two weeks later, they played their first match, raising funds for the Lullaby Trust. Fast forward to 2026, and Angels United FC has grown into a registered charity making a meaningful difference across the UK.

Reflecting on the need for such a space, Oliver explains: “Men are less likely to talk about their own mental health as they want to be seen as the strong ones.”

Statistics support his point. Research by Mind found that 75% of truck drivers avoid seeking mental health support due to fears of judgement or potential impact on their jobs. Long hours, shift work, time pressures, and isolation only add to the challenge, with many drivers spending much of their day alone.

Through football, Angels United continues to support families who have experienced the loss of a baby or child at any stage. Players wear a distinctive pink and blue kit, designed in memory of every “Angel” taken too soon, with names proudly displayed on the back of each shirt as a lasting tribute.

Support extends beyond the pitch. The charity organises coffee mornings, walks in local parks, and informal meet-ups, offering families a chance to connect in a relaxed environment. At every stage, peer support remains central, with members using their own experiences to help guide others through grief.

To learn more about Angels United FC and support their mission, click here. To help support their mission, you can donate here.