Fans sign up to Saints fitness classes

Dec 9 2011 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

ST Johnstone manager Steve Lomas, along with club legend Roddy Grant, visited the highly acclaimed Football Fans in Training project at McDiarmid Park last night.

This is a 12-week course aimed at tackling men’s health problems across all the SPL clubs and each session combines dietary and healthy living advice alongside physical activity at St Johnstone.

This provides a great opportunity for fans to be involved with their Football Club and for men to help themselves live healthier lives.

The programme is open to male Saints supporters aged between 35 and65 who fit any of these criteria:

– BMI of 28+

– Belly 40 inches +

– Trouser waist size of 38 inches +

Fit as a fiddle manager Lomas said: “I first learned about this when I was at West Ham. I believe they were among the first to do it, so it is great to see it at McDiarmid Park now.

“No matter who you are, having a decent level of health and fitness is important both to you and your family’s quality of life. Football Fans in Training seems a great opportunity for our fans to work with our coaches towards achieving this. I am delighted that our club is committed to this project.”

Saints legend Roddy Grant, one of the club’s all time favourite players, said: “It’s great to see our coaches working with the supporters who signed up to this course. They must be really pleased that the fans have achieved so much with their help.

“I understand they are actively looking to continue an exercise class with this group, as the fans are still keen to progress their fitness levels. Maybe I could join in!”

Dave Black, assistant community coach at McDiarmid Park, added: “I am delighted to say that we will be running a fourth course in the new year for supporters who didn’t manage to get on any of the first three courses. We are already fully booked up for the new block of 12 sessions aimed at increasing physical activity, improving diets and promoting healthy lifestyles.”

If you are keen to get involved in the future with this excellent project register your interest at ffit@sphsu.mrc.ac.uk or alternatively call 0800 389 2129 or text FFIT to 88802. Leave your contact details and state at which club you would like to attend the course.