Join us as we unite to Help Our Communities Get Better Health

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Public Health England have launched a major new adult health campaign to seize the opportunity for a national reset moment of health, and the EFL Trust FIT FANS Programme is part of the launch.

Nearly two thirds (63%) of adults in the UK are overweight or living with obesity 1 and this extra weight can cause pressure to build up around vital organs, making it harder for the body to fight against diseases like cancer and heart disease. By reducing your weight within a healthy range, you can also cut your risk of being critically ill with COVID-19.

Throughout the season, EFL Clubs and Club Community Organisations (CCOs) deliver a number of programmes to help individuals reduce their weight and improve their overall physical health.

This includes FIT FANS, a 12-week programme currently run by over 30 Clubs, that has continued throughout the Coronavirus pandemic with many sessions adapted to be delivered online. Over 1,000 participants have taken part across the network to achieve long-term improvements in weight loss, physical activity, diet and general wellbeing. Participants on average lost over 5% of their body weight during the 12 week programme.

In addition, over 10,000 people have tuned in to the FIT FANS online campaign that was launched in April during lockdown and is still available here.

To improve health and wellbeing, individuals should aim to have a BMI below 25 and above 18.5 2. NICE recommends that Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups should aim to have a BMI below 23 and above 18.5 to avoid risks to health 3. To support people to live healthier lives, Public Health England’s Better Health campaign provides a variety of tools and apps to help you make healthier food choices, become more active and prevent future weight gain. One of these tools is a Weight Loss Plan app, which provides 12 weeks’ worth of engaging content that can be personalised and tailored to the goals and needs of the individual.

For help and support to lose weight, and to find out more about FIT FANS visit https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/.

To find out more about how to make a long term and sustainable lifestyle change, go behind the scenes at your club, learn about healthy eating and take part is an exercise programme, find your local FIT FANS session here. And don’t worry….our FIT FANS often say with FIT FANS they are too busy having fun to realise that they are exercising.

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“Sport means he is learning without him realising it”

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Lockdown has been challenging for Bodhi, aged 9 and his mum Caren. However Bodhi, who has global developmental delay and autism, has been managing the lockdown by taking part in Brentford FC Community Trust’s online Short Breaks activities for children with disabilities.

His mum Caren believes that physical activity for Bodhi is now needed more than ever. She said:

“Bodhi has not had occupational therapy for over a year and this is not the first time we have had such big break sadly. Doing sport activities, which incorporate both gross and fine motor skills, is hugely beneficial. Because of his age, he now wants to do ‘regular’ activities, so sports can mean he is learning without him realising it!”

Brentford FC Community Sports Trust’s Short Breaks project, commissioned by Hounslow Council, supports children with a disability with their confidence and development through a range of free sporting activities. Over the past year, the project has engaged with more than 150 children in Hounslow.

Under normal circumstances, these sessions are delivered on a weekly basis in Osterley and during the school holidays.

Yet the government lockdown has meant that Brentford FC Community Sports Trust have had to be creative in how they deliver physical activity for children while at home.

Chris Tribe, The Trust’s Disability Manager, said:

“We’ve had to find new and innovative ways to engage with our participants and encourage them to stay active at home. Since the lockdown began, we created and sent out weekly sports challenge videos for families to try at home, which have proved to be really popular.

Caren adds: “Although we home educate, and have lots of resources, we still found it a bit difficult to establish a routine and ensure a balance between education and fun. It is also difficult for us parents to constantly look after the house and kids – I honestly don’t sit down!”

 

Traineeship with Fulham FC Foundation pushes Richard to reach career aspirations

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Richard got his dream career off to a flying start after completing a 12-week Traineeship with Fulham FC Foundation.

The 12-week traineeship helped the 26-year-old take his first step onto his dream career pathway, after spending a year out of work and searching for a new job.

Previously, Richard worked in retail and despite enjoying it at times, feels it just wasn’t for him. He always had a keen interest in computer science and believes the opportunities on the traineeship and the support from the Fulham FC Foundation staff helped him reach his potential.

He is now flourishing in his current full-time role as an ICT Support Engineer at ALRA (The Academy of Live & Recording Arts) after completing the traineeship in 2019.

He told the EFL Trust: “I was without a job for a year and so keen to work in ICT, I just needed guidance and support and the traineeship with Fulham FC Foundation really gave me that.

“The great thing about the traineeship is that it is tailored towards you and your career goals, so mine specifically focused on computer science.

“Everyone on the traineeship was great, I made friends I still speak to now and it really opened up my eyes being based at a professional football club. Having the opportunity to work alongside ICT support specialists at the Club stadium helped me gain essential knowledge in the area and land the role I really wanted.”

Ryan Dempsey, Youth Engagement Officer at Fulham FC Foundation believes the environment and approach of the traineeship is what makes it so unique to other education pathways.

He said: “We meet the young people first and gage what they want out of it to really see what part of the journey we can help with the most.

“We work with smaller groups so that it’s easier to maintain and bring out the best potential of our trainees individually to help them in the career goals.

“We also continue to support them even after they have completed the course, staying in touch to offer any further advice or help.”

Richard added: “I’d really recommend the traineeship if someone needs help getting onto their career path.

“It gives you a routine and is a great safety net and guide. You’re around people who will push you and help you achieve your goals, just having someone there to encourage you can really help.”

To find out more about EFL Trust Education & Employability programmes visit:  https://www.efltrust.com/educationandemployability/

 

Fulham Doctor Supports Efforts to Tackle Homelessness

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Back in April, Fulham’s official Club Doctor, Justin Yeoh, signed up as a volunteer to help homeless people during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Consultant in Sports & Exercise Medicine (and previous GP), used his medical experience to support vulnerable individuals placed in protective hotel accommodation by Hammersmith & Fulham Council.

With all football matches suspended at that time, Fulham supported the community response to COVID-19 by deploying experts like Dr Yeoh and other members of the FFC medical team whose skills are invaluable in difficult times.

Dr Yeoh has been treating rough sleepers who have been put up in hotels across the capital to keep them safe during the coronavirus pandemic.

Back in April, Dr Yeoh said: “Fulham and the Fulham FC Foundation have been working with many key local partners and have been keeping in touch with supporters and people from our neighbourhood.

“Whilst football is currently suspended, I’m glad to have been invited to offer my services to Turning Point and work closely with them, St Mungo’s and the local authority to support the tremendous work being carried out with the homeless in the borough.

“The voluntary work I do is very rewarding for both myself and the patients that gives a little bit of help to those in need.”

Dr Mohammed Al-Saidi, Consultant Addictions Psychiatrist at Turning Point, said: “Dr Yeoh’s support on our clinical team is a great opportunity to reach some of the most vulnerable people in society. This is a crucial step for many to get off the streets for good.”

 

“I have enjoyed every Brentford FC Sports Community Trust class and had the satisfaction of knowing I am investing in my health for now and the future.”

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Brentford fan Jennie Sibley never knew that her football club could offer her the support she needed during the lockdown – especially when she first found the lockdown a daunting experience.

“We did not know much about the virus and being over 70 I was aware that if I caught COVID-19 it may be quite or very serious for me.  I have usually gone out most days so being restricted within the confines of my home was alien to me,” Jennie said.

Yet Brentford FC Community Sports Trust’s Pilates, Yoga and chair-based exercises classes proved a welcome distraction during the COVID-19 crisis and ensured Jennie stayed healthy at home.

“My regular exercise classes had been cancelled due to lockdown (I do these with Age UK, and Hounslow over 60s programme),” Jennie explained. “But I saw an advert in Brentford FC’s newsletter for the online health and fitness classes.”

Back in March – at the height of the government’s lockdown – the Trust launched its #BeeatHome campaign that encouraged children and adults to remain active within their homes.

Brentford FC Community Sports Trust’s online fitness classes are delivered in partnership with Hounslow Council, and include yoga, Pilates, Bootcamp and Boxercise, ensuring adults across the borough of Hounslow could still remain active.

And Jennie has certainly been impressed with the quality of teaching she has received from the classes, she said:

“Each teacher I have tuned into seems to be at the top of their game: very clear with instructions, clear demonstration of exercise, clear explanation of what/why we are doing an exercise.  They all seem to have been very thoughtful and empathetic teachers.

“I have enjoyed every class I have been to and had the satisfaction of knowing I am investing in my health for now and the future.”

Jennie hasn’t been the only Hounslow resident who has benefited from Brentford FC Community Sports Trust health classes during this period: roughly 100 local adults have been benefiting from these classes every week.

“I’m passionate about growing as a Youth Leader”

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“I’m passionate about further growing as a youth leader and being able to empower other young people to be the start of change.” says Emmanuel Essien, one of three NCS graduates who has been accepted out of hundreds of applications of young people, to join The FA Leadership Academy.

Three EFL Trust NCS graduates have been accepted onto The FA Leadership Academy (FALA) after successfully navigating a competitive application process. Emmanuel Essien from Sheffield, Ellie-Ja Goddard and Josh Newbold, both from Rotherham, were all accepted on the FALA.

The FALA takes young people on a journey through developing themselves, others and their communities. The Academy equips young people with the skills and tools to become youth leaders, concluding with each young person delivering a social action project to positively impact their local communities through football.

Their 12-month journey begins today with a four-day event. The event usually takes place at St George’s Park, but due to COVID-19, will be held virtually. During the event, young people will be introduced to the academy, learn how to become a leader and hear from football icons and other workshops to develop their skills.

Ellie is delighted to have been accepted onto the FALA. She said:

“I have always loved helping people and I am looking forward to FALA as I think it is the perfect platform for me to develop my skills and help people in my community, alongside a sport that I love.”

The opportunity to apply for the FALA was made available to Emmanuel, Ellie and Josh through the EFL Trust’s Regional Youth Board, a Board they are all a part of having done NCS in their local area. As part of the Youth Board they have been involved in supporting local charities such as Hull Homeless Community Projects and food banks across Yorkshire and the Humber.

Emmanuel, who completed his NCS experience with Sheffield Wednesday, believes the FALA is a great step for his development

“I’m looking forward to the FALA programme because I’m passionate about further growing as a youth leader and being able to empower other young people to be the start of change.

“I know the FALA programme is a step up to make a greater impact for the lives of people in the wider football community.”

Following the four-day event, the youth leaders will take part in a 12-month development plan of which they are required to create and implement a project within their local community that aids the growth and development of other young people, youth leaders and football as a whole.