Swindon Town

YOU may be surprised that Swindon Town FC are asking to see less of their fans and this is all down to the 'Football Fans In Training' programme that encourages healthy living and weight loss.

The Swindon Town Football in the Community Trust's ‘Football Fans in Training’ programme, which kicked off in January, has proved to be a resounding success. The project, which was rolled out through the Scottish Premier League over the last few seasons has now travelled south with Swindon Town being the first English club to deliver the programme.

The 12-week initiative is aimed at male-only football fans aged 35 years of age and above, who have a 38 inch waist line, with them endeavouring to change their lifestyles to adopt a healthier way of life. The STFC model has seen dramatic success, as they enter their 10th week of delivery this week. The programme which is offered in partnership with Swindon Borough Council and Public Health has 30 participants and has covered physical activity sessions and structured workshops on looking at healthier diet and food options which has indicated significant weight loss for all of the supporters who have taken part.

Trust Manager Jon Holloway who has lead on the project with Shane Hewlett commented: "It has been an amazing couple of months with all of the guys showing great commitment and dedication to improve their health and lifestyles in general.

"They were all issued with STFC kit at the start and now very much feel part of something special. Last week, first team manager, Mark Cooper, joined the group to reiterate the importance of looking after yourself both physically and mentally. It really has been a pleasure to be involved in this programme, and we are looking forward to our next course which commences in September this year."

If you are interested in joining this great initiative then please contact either Jon Holloway on jon@stfc-fitc.co.uk or Shane Hewlett on shane@stfc-fitc.co.uk. Alternatively, you can call the STFITC office on 01793 421303.