Sundderland University social group ‘Pill Pushers’ celebrate anniversary on World Mental Health day
Written by Aaron Wall on 13th October 2026
A group of international pharmacy students at Sunderland University are celebrating the anniversary of a social group they created to help those away from home.
The Pill Pushers, as they are known as, celebrated their second anniversary on the same weekend as World Mental Health Day (WMHD) 2026.
The Group, started by Zane Osman, Steve Matthew and Ahmed Sharabas, began as a football kick around between friends in autumn of 2023 which slowly expanded as the year went on and officially earned its name, logo and supporting Instagram page in October 2024.
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Two years on from the inauguration of the idea and one from its official launch, The Pill Pushers celebrated their anniversary and WMHD at their most recent Friday session.
One of the founding members, Zane Osman, said: “We shared a passion for football, and we decided to create our own five-a-side league between friends for fun”
“It just started getting bigger and bigger so in October 2024 we started the Instagram page which we also just started having fun with.”
Student Yassin Saber has been attending the events for just over a year. He said: “I first heard about [Pill Pushers] through a friend who recommended it as a great opportunity to meet new people, all while playing a sport I love.
“I would recommend Pill Pushers to anyone who enjoys football, wants to meet new people or make new friends.”
The group recently expanded into a run club for those who don’t have an interest in football however stated, “the running part is optional, and you can just meet us in the pub at the end”.
Zane said: “We like the idea of football because its fun but also fitness. A run club is similar but more inclusive.
“We were able to include guys and girls of any ability, whether they play sports or not. Come for a run, meet some nice people all while doing some physical activity.”
The Pill Pushers Run Club! Credit: Steve Matthew
The group continues to expand stating “Mental Health Day is everyday” with its intention no different to the day it began. Fun, Fitness and Friendship.
