Destiny United FC

💙⚽ Club News | Celebrating Our Club Chairperson

At Destiny United FC, we believe football is about more than the game. It’s about improving mental wellbeing, reducing social isolation, breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, and creating a community where everyone feels they belong.

That’s why we’re incredibly proud to celebrate our Club Chairperson, John Tonner, on becoming a published author.

John has recently released two books that explore many of the same values our club stands for.

📖 Quiet Storm: The War That Followed Me Home is a powerful memoir sharing the realities of military service, living with PTSD, and the journey towards recovery.

📚 Finding Tom: The Long Road Home is a novel exploring trauma, identity, belonging, and the hope that recovery is possible.

Whether through football or storytelling, the message is the same: no one should have to face life’s challenges alone. By encouraging open conversations around mental health, we can help break stigma, build stronger communities, and remind people that asking for help is a sign of strength.

Congratulations, John, on this fantastic achievement. Your Destiny United FC family is incredibly proud of you.

Both books are available on Amazon for anyone who would like to support John’s work.

💙 Football with Purpose.

💙⚽ FOOTBALL WITH PURPOSE ⚽💙

Today was about so much more than football.

It was about people.

It was about community.

It was about reminding one another that nobody should have to face life’s challenges alone.

We were incredibly proud to be guests for a Charity Fundraiser Match in support of Penumbra Mental Health, bringing together players, supporters, volunteers, friends and families for an afternoon filled with football, laughter, conversations and a shared commitment to making a difference.

Mental health doesn’t always look the way people expect. Sometimes the bravest thing a person can do is simply turn up.

Turn up to training.

Turn up for a coffee.

Turn up for a conversation.

Because when people feel they belong, lives can begin to change.

That’s what Destiny United FC is all about.

Football may be the reason people first walk through our gates, but it’s the friendships, encouragement and support that keep people coming back.

We are incredibly proud to announce that Destiny United FC has donated £200 to Penumbra Mental Health’s Elder Street Garden Regeneration Project. We know this contribution is only a small part of the incredible work Penumbra does every day, but it is given with genuine admiration and wholehearted support.

A huge thank you to:
💜 Penumbra Mental Health
⚽ Every player who pulled on a shirt
🙌 Every volunteer who gave up their time
🎟️ Everyone who donated, bought raffle tickets, enjoyed the home baking, or simply came along to support us
❤️ Our club sponsors, partners and everyone who continues to believe in what we’re building together

If today encouraged just one person to start a conversation, ask for help, or realise they are not alone, then every minute was worthwhile.

Because at Destiny United FC, the result on the pitch will never be more important than the people standing on it.

Together for Mental Health. Together as a Community. Together through Football.

⚽💜 TODAY’S THE DAY! 💜⚽

Today, Destiny Utd FC is proud to travel for our Charity Football Match in support of Penumbra Mental Health.

This event is about far more than football. It’s about bringing people together, raising awareness of mental health, reducing stigma, and reminding everyone that no one has to face life’s challenges alone.

Whether you’re coming along to play, support, donate, buy some home baking, enter the raffle, or simply cheer from the sidelines, every person who attends helps make a difference.

📍 Ross High RFC Pitches
🕚 Stalls open: 11:00am
⚽ Match kick-off: 12:30pm
🎤 Presentations & speeches: 1:20pm
🎟️ Raffle winners announced: 2:00pm

There will also be:
🍰 Home baking
🎟️ Fantastic raffle prizes
🥅 Beat the Goalkeeper Challenge
🤝 A welcoming community supporting an incredible cause

A huge thank you to everyone who has helped organise today’s event, our volunteers, players, supporters, Penumbra Mental Health, and everyone who has donated their time and generosity.

Together, we’re proving that football can do more than win matches it can change lives.

We hope to see you there.

💜 Stronger Together
Support. Awareness. Community.

📌 MATCH EVE!

Tomorrow is the day.

After weeks of planning, fundraising, and building excitement, Destiny United FC will step onto the pitch as the proud invited away side against Penumbra Mental Health for a truly special charity match. ⚽️

Together, we’re raising funds for the Elder Street garden regeneration project and helping create a welcoming outdoor space that will support residents on their mental health recovery journeys. 🌿☀️

This is our final call for support before kick-off.

Please share the fundraiser, tell your friends, spread the word, and help us make one last push towards the fundraising target.

Whether you’re cheering from the touchline or supporting from home, your encouragement and generosity help make events like this possible.

And yes, we’ve heard rumours that our Club Chairman will be appearing pitchside looking “as smart as a carrot” in his custom club gilet. 🥕👔 We’ll let you decide that one for yourselves!

Let’s come together, challenge stigma, build stronger communities, and show exactly what Football with Purpose looks like.

👇 Final push for donations:
🔗 https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/elderstreetfootballfundraiser

See you on the pitch. 💙🦁⚽️



Club sponsors CJ Medical & Charles Reynolds Foundation

Supported by

🚨 TEAM NEWS | CHARITY FUNDRAISER MATCH 🚨

The team is in.

We’re delighted to announce the Destiny Utd FC starting lineup for Friday’s Charity Fundraiser Football Match in support of Penumbra Mental Health

Starting XI (7-a-side)

🧤 GK: Jack E

Defence
🔹 Keiran M
🔹 Dylan

Midfield
🔹 Konrad
🩷 Keiran W (Captain)
🔹 Kaiden

Forward
⚽ Jordan

Substitutes
• Aiden
• Connor
• Michael F
• Stevenson

Every player taking part is helping to raise awareness of mental health while supporting the incredible work carried out by Penumbra Mental Health.

Whether you’re coming along to play, support, donate, or simply cheer from the sidelines, your presence will make a difference.

📅 Friday 3rd July
🕚 11:00am – 2:00pm
📍 Pitches beside Ross High RFC

There will also be:
🎟️ Raffle prizes
🍰 Home baking
🥅 Beat the Goalkeeper challenge
💜 Plenty of opportunities to support an amazing cause.

Mental health affects us all. Together, we can help break the stigma, encourage conversations, and remind people that they are never alone.

Together for Mental Health. Every Goal Counts.

📌 Only ONE WEEK to go!

The boots are cleaned, the training sessions are underway, and next Friday the squads from Destiny United FC and Penumbra Mental Health will take to the pitch for a fantastic cause. ⚽️🔥

While we’re looking forward to the football, this event is about something much bigger than the result.

Together, we’re helping raise vital funds for the Elder Street garden regeneration project. Access to outdoor green spaces can play a hugely important role in mental health recovery, and this fundraiser will help create a welcoming environment where residents can spend time, connect with others, and enjoy the benefits of nature.

Our players are ready to give everything on the pitch, but there’s one area where we need your help.

Could you spare the price of a coffee or a matchday pie to support this amazing cause? ☕️🥧

Every donation helps move the project one step closer to becoming a reality.

👇 Donate today:
🔗 https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/elderstreetfootballfundraiser

Thank you for supporting football with purpose. 💙🦁



Sponsored by CJ Medical and

Supported by

More Than Just Football 💙🦁

📌 More than just a football club.

Following our big match announcement last week, we wanted to share why our upcoming charity match against Penumbra Mental Health on Friday, 3rd July means so much to everyone at Destiny United FC.

As a fully gender-inclusive grassroots football community for adults aged 17+, our motto is simple: Football with Purpose.

Every week, we use football to create a welcoming environment where people can improve their mental wellbeing, combat social isolation, build confidence, and find a genuine sense of belonging. For many of our members, stepping onto the pitch is about much more than football, it’s about connection, friendship, and community.

That’s why we’re so proud to be Penumbra’s invited guests for this special event.

Together, we’re helping raise funds for the Elder Street garden regeneration project, creating a safe and welcoming outdoor space where residents can relax, connect, and support their mental health recovery journeys. 🌿☀️

When communities come together, incredible things happen.

Every donation, no matter the size, helps make a lasting difference.

👇 Support the Elder Street Fundraiser:
🔗 https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/elderstreetfootballfundraiser

⚽💙 CHARITY FUNDRAISER FOOTBALL MATCH 💙⚽

Just a reminder that Destiny Utd FC will be taking on Penumbra Mental Health in our upcoming Charity Fundraiser Football Match as we come together to raise awareness and support for mental health.

📅 Friday 3rd July
⏰ 11:00am – 2:00pm
📍 Pitches Beside Ross High RFC

This event is about more than football. It’s about bringing people together, supporting positive mental health, and helping to break down the stigma that still surrounds mental health challenges.

John Tonner, Chairman of Destiny Utd FC, said:

“Working alongside Penumbra Mental Health is a fantastic opportunity for two organisations that share a commitment to supporting people within our communities. Both Destiny Utd FC and Penumbra work hard to promote wellbeing, inclusion, and positive mental health.

We hope this partnership can help create further support opportunities and pathways into football for individuals who may be experiencing mental health difficulties. Sport has the power to improve wellbeing, build confidence, reduce isolation, and help people feel part of something positive.”

If you can attend, we’d love to see you there. If you’re unable to make it, please consider supporting the fundraiser by scanning the QR code on the poster and making a donation.

Every contribution, no matter the size, helps support vital mental health services and community initiatives.

Together for Mental Health 💙

⚽ Every Goal Counts

⚽ Kick Off for a Cause! ⚽

Penumbra's Elder Street Services are delighted to announce their Football Fundraiser, bringing community spirit and football together for a fantastic cause!

📆 Friday 3rd July
⏰ 11:00am - 2:00pm
📍 Pitches beside Ross High RFC, Blawearie Rd, Tranent EH33 2DB

With gearing up for their upcoming match, there's no better time to get into the football spirit! 💙

We're thrilled to be joined by Destiny United FC, who will be supporting us on the day by playing a friendly match against Penumbra, helping to bring the event to life - and have kindly agreed to donate equipment.

There will be plenty happening throughout the day, including:
⚽ Penumbra vs Destiny United FC
🥅 Beat the goalie
🎂 Bake sale
🎟️ Raffle

As well as the football fun, our Penumbra team will be on hand to share information about our services and how to access support for yourself or a loved one.

This is an open event and everyone is welcome - whether you're joining in, cheering from the sidelines, or simply stopping by to support.

Every pound raised will go towards regenerating the Elder Street Services garden - a valued outdoor space where the people we support can relax, connect and spend time together.

⚽ Donate, play, or show your support:
🔗 https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/elderstreetfootballfundraiser

🌱 If you are unable to donate or attend on the day, please consider donating any garden equipment to help us regenerate the Elder Street Services garden. Garden equipment can be dropped off at:
📍 7 Elder St, Tranent EH33 1BH

Let's come together, celebrate football, and make a real difference. We look forward to seeing you there!

⚽💙 FUNDRAISING CHARITY FOOTBALL MATCH 💙⚽

Destiny Utd FC are proud to be joining forces with Penumbra Mental Health for a special charity football match aimed at raising awareness and support for mental health within our communities.

📅 Friday 3rd July
⏰ 11:00am – 2:00pm
📍 Pitches Beside Ross High RFC

This event is about more than football, it’s about bringing people together, encouraging open conversations, and showing that nobody has to face mental health challenges alone. Every goal scored, every supporter attending, and every conversation started helps make a difference.

John Tonner, Chairman of Destiny Utd FC, said:

“This is a fantastic opportunity for two organisations to come together for a truly important cause. Both Destiny Utd FC and Penumbra do outstanding work in helping tackle the stigma surrounding mental health and creating supportive, inclusive environments for people within our communities.

We hope this partnership can lead to further support opportunities and pathways into Destiny Utd FC for individuals who may be struggling with mental health concerns and are interested in getting involved in sport. Football can be a powerful tool for improving wellbeing, building confidence, and creating a sense of belonging.”

We invite everyone to come along, support the cause, and stand with us in promoting positive mental health through sport and community.

Together for Mental Health 💙
Every Goal Counts ⚽