St Johnstone health initiative

Aug 27 2010 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

ST JOHNSTONE has launched an innovative “Football Fans in Training” programme.

It’s part of the Scottish Premier League Trust’s joint initiative with the Football Pools and Scottish Government that will see top flight football clubs tackle a number of serious men’s health issues.

A donation of over £250,000 from the Football Pools, and additional support from Holyrood, will activate a unique programme “Football Fans in Training” to help improve the state of men’s health across Scotland. Operating out of all the SPL clubs, supporters can sign-up for free sessions aimed at increasing physical activity, improving diet and promoting a healthy lifestyle.

The programme has been developed by club coaches in conjunction with top medical and sports science professionals in Scotland and the Scottish Government Public Health Directorate.

Targeting overweight men throughout Perth and Kinross, Saints will be delivering a 12-week course with sessions being split between classroom health education and physical activity training.

Shona Robison, Minister for Public Health and Sport, said: “The Scottish Government’s Games legacy plan aims to inspire everyone in Scotland to get involved and take advantage of this unique opportunity to become a healthier nation.”

The programme is open to 35–65-year-old males who meet any of the following criteria: a body mass index of 27-plus, a belly of 100cm plus and a trouser waist size of 38 inches.

Participants will receive official club training kit with club coaches delivering the programme.

The St Johnstone programme begins on Thursday, September 23 at 7pm in the Muirton Suite at McDiarmid Park and anyone interested in taking part should contact the club on 01738 459090, text 07502 012 711 or e-mail enquiries@perthsaints.co.uk