More than 1,500 people have transformed their health thanks to a
Welsh Government-funded football initiative to tackle obesity and
inactivity.
The FIT FANS programme is being run at five Welsh football clubs
– Cardiff City, Newport County, Newtown AFC, Swansea City and
Wrexham.
The 12-week course has achieved remarkable results, improving the
physical and mental wellbeing of participants.
Delivered by the EFL's charitable arm, EFL in the Community in
partnership with the Football Association of Wales, participants
take part in exercise sessions and classes to improve their
eating habits.
The programme uses football to reach those most at risk of
developing serious health conditions, who may not be comfortable
accessing support from their GP.
Participants have achieved an average weight loss of 3.7kg for
males and 2.8kg for females.
FIT JACKS, led by Swansea City AFC Foundation has helped 267
people at 234 sessions at a variety of locations across the city
since February.
Michael Kelleher enrolled at Fit Jacks last year. He said:
“When I started Fit Jacks I had sleep apnoea, type 2 diabetes,
high blood pressure and several other medical issues which were
causing me serious problems.
“By the time I graduated in January, I had lost 10kg, eradicated
the sleep apnoea and improved my diabetes control. I am now off
all medications and have started running. It's a remarkable
programme which I will always be indebted too.”
Chief Medical Officer for Wales Professor Isabel Oliver said:
"Using the power of football to engage communities, FIT FANS has
helped a remarkable number of people reduce their risk of
developing serious conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
“It's wonderful to see the social connections that have been
formed through the programme, creating supportive communities
that contribute to both physical and mental wellbeing.
“This programme is about preventing ill health before it starts,
taking pressure off our NHS, and helping people live longer,
healthier lives.”
Debbie Cook, EFL Director of Community said:
“The health and wellbeing of people in our Football communities
is incredibly important to us. Across our network, we work
tirelessly to make a meaningful difference to people's lives. The
key to FIT FANS is that Football brings people together and gives
them the chance to meet people like them. They encourage and
reassure each other. The support and solutions they give each
other are key to making change last.”
With 62% of the Welsh population estimated to be overweight or
living with obesity, the scheme helps participants make lasting
lifestyle changes.
The programme's success has extended beyond the 12 weeks of the
scheme, with peer support networks being established and WhatsApp
groups helping participants maintain their healthy habits and
continue their fitness journeys together.
The programme also delivered substantial mental wellbeing
benefits, with an increase in life satisfaction and a decrease in
anxiety levels.
A £200,000 funding boost from the Welsh Government earlier this
year has helped more people access the programme across
Wales.
