FIT FANS with Bolton Wanderers in the Community provides participants with incentive and guidance towards a healthier lifestyle.

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Pete had joined the FIT TROTTERS programme after hearing of his brothers results on a previous cohort. The pandemic had brought about a change in circumstances that saw Pete take on some carer responsibilities to his partner’s stepbrother after they sadly lost both their mother and father through COVID-19. He then had his own personal health, and wellbeing worries but also Stephen’s.

Transitioning out of the pandemic caused him to become aware of the weight had had put on as his daily activity had decreased due to homeworking.  Although, he knew change was needed, he was lost with no sense of direction on where or how to start.

For most, change comes with an overriding emotion of fear and apprehension and that was very much the case for FIT TROTTTERS participants Darren, Stephen and Pete.

However, the camaraderie of the group and the work of staff members, Jack and Tom, they were all soon made to feel part of a wider family, all trying to achieve the same goals.

Pete said: “Jack, Tom and the participants there on day 1 really did break the ice and include us both. As I said with Stephen’s learning disabilities it was really daunting and scary but right from the first minute, we were both made to feel welcome and more importantly included.”

The sense of belonging has continued long after the 12-week course had finished with all still being included in social groups via Facebook and WhatsApp to allow them to continue the friendships that had blossomed on the course, all whilst still encouraging each other to keep up their lifestyle changes.

The FIT FANS programme aims to transform the lives of previously inactive people, helping them to change their eating and drinking habits, while losing weight and improving their health in a safe and sustainable way.

Average weight loss statistics for the FIT FANS programme are impressive and exceed those of many other programmes. On average women lose well over 3kg and men over 5.5kg by the end of the 12 weeks. We also have evidence that lifestyle change, and weight loss are sustained over the following 12 months. More than 90% of men and 85% of women lose weight during the programme with many losing a clinically significant amount. Our data shows FIT FANS helps people to increase physical activity, and reduce sedentary time, leading to weight loss, a significant reduction in reduction in blood pressure, and improvement in self-reported mental wellbeing measures.

Darren, much like Pete knew he needed to address his weight gain over the past year but never planned any actions to do so until his friend asked him to accompany him on the FIT TROTTERS course.

He also echoed Pete’s thoughts on the support of the group: “Whilst it was by no means competitive being part of a group who all have the same aims helps to drive you along and to be there to support and drive forward your fellow participants. I have loved every minute of it.”

Having successfully completed the course, all three lost over 11kgs each but the trio also credit the course for its educational elements that they have implemented to not only help their physical health but general wellbeing too.

Darren explained: “I’m now more knowledgeable of the right type of foods to eat and portion control. It got me out walking regularly which helped bring down the weight and blood pressure and meeting new friends. I would recommend it to anyone from a general wellbeing point of view.”

Pete said: “The new friends and people to talk to for Stephen is huge, his confidence has grown and his willingness to participate also. From choosing to sit on a reception desk for three days at his day care to doing sport, art and gardening, he would not have made that choice a year ago. I doubt many people will understand the impact that has had on the lad.”

To find out more about your nearest FIT FANS programme,  please contact your local Club using the list below.

    * Please Choose Club

    Your information will be sent to a member of staff from your chosen club who will call or email information about FIT FANS. You are not committing to joining FIT FANS just to receiving further information. Your data will not be used for any other information without you consent. Please see our Privacy Policy for more details on how we manage your data

    Extra Time Hubs with Bolton Wanderers in the Community offered Ken and Jim support in their time of need.

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    Both Ken and Jim have had to deal with a huge change in their lives, that left them lost after their wives sadly passed away.

    As well as the grief that losing a loved one brings they found themselves in a position that they had never been in before, their interests and social groups became non-existent.

    Although both men, complete strangers to each other, their stories are similar is so many ways and it’s their Football Club which has come to their aid..

    Friends of both men recommended they give Bolton Wanderers in the Community Extra Time Hub a try.

    The Hubs enable Retired and semi-retired people make the most of their free time and enjoy doing the things they want to do. With friendships, support and being the socially active forefront of the Hubs aim, participants decide what they wish to take in with various activities on offer from quizzes to walking football.

    Adrian Bradley the EFL Trust’s Health and Wellbeing lead, explains, “With Extra Time Hubs we set out to do something different. Activities for Older people tended to be small coffee morning or bingo sessions. We want to create a social community of people in their retirement years who meet regularly to socialise and to do the things they enjoy, not what we tell them they should enjoy. We focus on the social side of the hub and help people to feel better by reducing their social isolation and loneliness. By getting people more socially active we nudge them towards more a physically active lifestyles – it’s health by stealth.”

    With some convincing, both Ken and Jim attended their first sessions and it has become a highlight within their weeks.

    Jim said: “The main benefits was to meet up with like-minded wonderful people and to join in the many activities provided by the superb team. It is one of the highlights of the week and it’s really helped my self-esteem!”

    Ken echoed Jim’s thoughts as he explained: “I felt very welcomed by the group of attendees at Bolton Wanderers in the Community Extra Time Hub. They embrace me and make me feel very welcome. Over a period of 18 month since I first attended, I have become very good friends with a large bunch of people that I look forward to seeing every week.”

    Maureen: “Being a volunteer with Derby County has given me a huge confidence boost and increased my own wellbeing knowing that I am helping others to be both physically and socially active.”

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    Maureen Reece has become a vital part of Derby County Community Trust’s Extra Time Hub enabling retired and semi-retired people like herself to make the most of their free time.

    Maureen started her journey with Derby County as participant in the Community Trust’s Forever Active project, an exercise programme for the over 55’s, over five years ago.  However, Maureen enjoyed the sessions so much that she decided she wanted to give back to the Trust and help others. She became a DCCT volunteer in early 2019.

    She started off supporting the weekly Stability session for over 60s. However soon after she started volunteering, the Trust joined the EFL Trust’s Extra Time Hub Network and began planning the launch of their Hub.  Initially funded by the National Lottery and Sport England, Extra Time Hubs aim to make a positive difference to the lives of semi-retired and retired people. The Hubs are communities of likeminded people.  They include weekly gatherings, often at the football stadium, but also a varied combination of face to face and online groups and activities. Crucially at the hub all the activity that takes place is shaped by the members and they are supported to do the things that they want to do.

    Immediately, Maureen asked to be a part of this sessions and has played a pivotal role ever since, form setting up the session each fortnight to keeping everyone supplied with plenty of tea and coffee!  Maureen has helped others within the sessions she supports and helped people join the groups too. She is always happy about seeing people achieve their goals and progressing. She commits five hours per week to the Trust and is always the first to arrive and the last to leave.

    During lockdown, Maureen remained engaged in several group chats and is helped staff to set challenges and encourage people to be more interactive in the group. When asked about how the sessions supported her during the pandemic, she answered that they “had been a lifesaver, as someone living alone.”

    Maureen also became an integral part of the Rams Lunch Club project, which has provided meals to various groups and helped reconnect isolated members of society. Maureen added: “Being a volunteer has given me a huge confidence boost and increased my own wellbeing, knowing that I am helping others to be both physically and socially active.”

    Jon Fairbrother Physical Activity and Health Officer added: “Maureen always has a smile on her face and is willing to help anyone. Her enthusiasm encourages the group to continue to attend and has helped with social activities away from the group too, which has been so important.”

    To find out more about Extra Time Hubs click here.

     

    A development journey: Hannah Jones and Rotherham United Community Sports Trust.

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    Hannah’s passion for being a leader, an innovator, and a mentor to women and girls in sports stems from her own experiences. Through, her club Rotherham United, she has been able to pursue a career focused on her desire to better the experiences of others.

    She said: “I currently hold a position within the FA Leadership Academy, which is designed to develop people as leaders, to plan, deliver and develop a project to impact the football community and the wider football community. Due to my own experiences, I focused my project on developing women footballers and women in the sport generally, giving them a sense of belonging in football, as well as producing and recognising talent.”

    Hannah attended Rotherham United Community Sports Trust college programme before enrolling onto their BA hons Degree in Community Coaching and development run in partnership with University of South Wales.

    With an abundance of experience and skills in numerous programmes the Trust offers from education to health and wellbeing, Hannah is an individual that is focused on providing and empowering every participant, colleague, friend she encounters especially in women’s sport.
    As part of the Female Development Programme whilst on the degree course, Hannah has had a plethora of opportunities to better her future, and shape that of others. The programme seeks to address the under-representation of women across the Football and Sport’s Coaching degree courses that are run at over 40 CCOs.

    The programme was established in 2021 to ensure all women on the course were offered a tailored programme of opportunities to expand their knowledge and confidence with women from other Clubs. By ensuring an inclusive environment, with opportunities to network and hear from like-minded professionals in the sport the programme ensures that the students on the degree course are provided with the opportunity to upskill and build confidence.

    Throughout the year they have access to a variety of events that feature female professionals from a variety of roles within sport. Speakers to date have included, senior Member of the EFL Trust who have shared their experience of working in Sport, Daisy Croker who referees on the FA Women’s National League and the U21s Professional Game Academy League. The next speaker will be Charlotte Healy, Manchester United Women’s Assistant Coach who will discusses her journey and progression her from role as a community coach at Derby County Community Trust to the pinnacle of English football in the Women’s Super League. With just 12 students involved in its first year, last year the number trebled to 36 students engaged in the programme.

    She explains: “The development of women and girls within a sporting environment is something that I do have concerns for and am passionate about in terms of developing. By providing this opportunity to our female students it will create an inclusive, welcoming, and quality experience.”

    The USW course has allowed Hannah to feel a sense of belonging. More so, it has allowed Hannah to develop and produce ideas to inspire the next generation that could lead to a huge, successful future for women in sport whether that be Hannah’s influence on them both on and off the pitch.

    The University of South Wales allows students to gain practical experience in their desired nature of work, whilst allowing for a blended learning approach where students have both face-to face and online learning. The courses which are hosted at your local football club has a huge emphasis on gaining real world learning through placements with students only having to attend the University for short residential periods.

    She comments: “The whole experience will give the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals; students like yourself, perhaps past students, and those who work within the sporting industry. This will allow us to be our best selves, unite as one; acting together as one within the movement where we can strive to empower each other to realise potential and develop.”

    It is evident that Hannah has the ability to inspire change through her selfless desire to improve and aid those around her. With already a plethora of strings to her bow, Hannah’s aspirations have no limit.

    She said: “After completion of the 2-year course with USW, I hope to enrol onto the Sports Coaching and Development top-up degree, after which I would like to enrol onto a PGCE to follow the path into sports teaching, school and education. Alongside this I wish to continue my current coaching path; I’m soon to complete my FA Level 1, after which I hope to progress up the ladder in coaching badges (across multiple sports) and potentially begin my refereeing experience.”

    Click here to find out more about the degree 

    Racquel’s journey on FIT BAGGIES an inspiration to her whole family.

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    Racquel Parchmant joined FIT BAGGIES in April 2022, and the programme had such a impact on her life, her and her family have been challenging themself through West Bromwich Albion’s Foundation ever since.

    Racquel and her cohort of FIT BAGGIES recently  paid a visit to the clubs training ground, as a reward for completing their 12-week health, fitness and lifestyle programme.

    They were invited along to use the players’ gym and Albion training ground facilities for their first FIT BAGGIES session of the new year.

    The FIT FANS programme aims to transform the lives of previously inactive people, helping them to change their eating and drinking habits, while losing weight and improving their health in a safe and sustainable way.

    Average weight loss statistics for the FIT FANS programme are impressive and exceed those of many other programmes. On average women lose well over 3kg and men over 5.5kg by the end of the 12 weeks. We also have evidence that lifestyle change, and weight loss are sustained over the following 12 months. More than 90% of men and 85% of women lose weight during the programme with many losing a clinically significant amount. Our data shows FIT FANS helps people to increase physical activity, and reduce sedentary time, leading to weight loss, a significant reduction in reduction in blood pressure, and improvement in self-reported mental wellbeing measures.

    Following on from their participation in the last round of FIT BAGGIES, several members have started to take part in various other sessions or events that The Albion Foundation has on offer to the Sandwell community as well as embarking on their own challenges too.

    Racquel took part in last year’s colour run, completed the million-step challenge for Diabetes UK and has also started to get her family involved with The Foundation, with her son Jude part of the Kicks programme.

    “Before joining FIT BAGGIES, I felt that I just wanted to make my body stronger and learn about healthy eating. Upon starting the programme, that’s what we went straight into.

    “When I started, I had no idea I’d be taking part in a 5K Colour Run, but it was the most amazing opportunity that I was given. With the encouragement of the team, I took part. Not only did I take part, but my husband and my three children did as well.

    “My youngest son Jude has been involved with the foundation for several years, he’s been part of the Kicks programme which he loves thoroughly. For him he’s been blossoming from the day he started.

    “I recently completed the million-step challenge for Diabetes UK too, which I feel very proud of. The previous me wouldn’t have done anything like that before, but Fit Baggies gave me the confidence to do that and to know that you can really achieve anything you want to.”

     

    Keith Whitehouse, a FIT BAGGIES member and lifelong Baggies fan, was delighted to visit the training ground and was keen to highlight the benefits FIT BAGGIES has had on his life, with Keith also now part of The Foundation’s walking football team.

    “It’s been a great opportunity, I’ve been a season-ticket holder for over 35 years and a supporter for over 50 years. I only live up the road from here, but this is the first opportunity I’ve had to visit and look at the fantastic facilities the club has.

    “Fit Baggies has helped my fitness get to a nice position and I’ve lost some weight too. I’ve been able to maintain that weight loss and it’s given me enthusiasm to keep on with the programme, watching what I’m eating, going on regular walks and keeping up my fitness.

    “I also attend walking football every week, and that’s a really good programme, it’s always friendly, fun and a great activity – it’s surprising how much energy you use in one hour of walking football. It’s a bit of a social event too, it’s really worthwhile and good for your mental health as well.”

    Each FIT BAGGIES session involves 45 minutes of lifestyle education in which participants are educated on how they can start to make changes to their lifestyles which will benefit their overall health and wellbeing, whether that be through diet improvements, or exercises that positively impact physical and mental health.

    To find out more about your nearest FIT FANS programme,  please contact your local Club using the list below.

      * Please Choose Club

      Your information will be sent to a member of staff from your chosen club who will call or email information about FIT FANS. You are not committing to joining FIT FANS just to receiving further information. Your data will not be used for any other information without you consent. Please see our Privacy Policy for more details on how we manage your data

      Destined for Greatness: Taya’s Journey to becoming a Lioness.

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      Taya like most began her footballing journey out of pure enjoyment but it soon became evident that she was destined for higher heights.

      As her journey continued to progress, as did her ability, commitment, and desire. Consequently, Plymouth Argyle realised her potential and referred her to the Talent Inclusion Programme to ensure she fulfilled it. As a result of her ability, she had shown enough to the scouts to be monitored for a number of seasons to be assessed and continue to develop.

      Delivered in partnership with The FA, the Talent Inclusion Programme ensures that through the existing community activities delivered by 53 EFL Club Community Organisations (CCOs), female participants can be identified and referred to the FA England Women’s Talent Pathway.  The EFL Trust network works in some of the most deprived communities in England.  Recognising that social class, ethnicity and demographics should not be a barrier to success the programme creates a pathway from community to full England honours. Each Club through its community organisations develops their own programme plan based on their expertise of the local area, taking into consideration known barriers faced by young girls.

      Like many young footballers the news she had hoped for eventually came when she received an invite to attend an England training camp. She would be surrounded by the best players in her age group, coached by some of the best coaches in the country and experience what it is like to have the honour of representing your country.

      She said: “Being called up to England U16’s has been a huge highlight of my footballing journey for me so far. Getting the news, I had been chosen to attend the camp was a shock for me, I was delighted and very emotional when I was told that I had been called up to attend the camp. All my family were thrilled and so proud of me.’

      At 11 years old, she was playing on the playground with the boys and just a year later she had trialled and signed for Plymouth Argyle. Between the fun of the playground and the excitement of the next level at Plymouth Argyle she joined local grassroots team, Signal box Frankfort. Her love for the game was ever growing, playing with friends, training during the week, and looking forward to gameday on Saturday.

      At a summer tournament with her team, was when Taya’s football trajectory changed, as she was asked to attend the trials for her current side Plymouth Argyle.

      Ryan Perks, Plymouth Argyle Women’s Team Manager comments: “’Taya is another hugely talented player with have at this football club. Taya is a fantastic girl both on and off the pitch and works tirelessly to improve her game.”

       

       

      To find out more about the Talent Inclusion Programme visit: https://www.efltrust.com/talent-inclusion.

       

      Government’s £5million Youth Justice Sport Fund supported by EFL Club Community Organisations

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      Over 200 grassroots organisations across England and Wales have been awarded funding from the Government’s £5million Youth Justice Sport Fund to run targeted local sports schemes – from climbing to kayaking – aimed at keeping vulnerable young people away from crime and anti-social behaviour.

      Amongst the organisations awarded funding are 34 Club Community Organisations, who are the charities of EFL Football Clubs in England and Wales.

      The fund is the first of its kind delivered by the Ministry of Justice and has been co-ordinated by StreetGames and the Alliance of Sport for Criminal Justice, with the support of the Sport for Development Coalition.

      Youth crime costs the taxpayer £1.5billion a year and research shows over three quarters of adult prolific offenders received their first caution or conviction as a juvenile, making the need to focus on early prevention even more critical.

      Photo Credit: Ana-Maria Molnar

      Deputy Prime Minister, Justice Secretary and Lord Chancellor, Dominic Raab, who launched the fund earlier this year said: “I know first-hand how powerful sport and mentoring can be in turning young lives around.

      “Sport has the power to boost confidence, build resilience and teach discipline, and evidence suggests sports can be effective in reducing offending among young people. That’s why we’re supporting over 200 organisations across England and Wales to encourage more young people to engage with sport and stay away from crime.”

      Photo Credit: Ana-Maria Molnar

      Plymouth Argyle Community Trust are one CCO who will receive funding to work across two areas, Plymouth, and Cornwall. Their programme in Plymouth is to expand work with young people through positive activities facilitated by Argyle Community Trust along with a mentoring programme for those on the verge of entering the criminal justice system.

      In Cornwall the team are working with targeted groups to provide diversionary activities and youth workers to engage groups to provide physical activities. This is supplemented with work by qualified youth workers who will provide support to young people in areas of high deprivation and those that have become disengaged within the local area.

      At Stevenage FC Foundation, the funding will allow them to deliver a 12-week programme for teenagers across three sites in Stevenage during periods when anti-social behaviour can be at its highest. Known locally as the Onside Project, these weekly sessions will blend a mixture of sport with 1-2-1 mentoring, delivered by the Foundation’s team of coaches and youth workers. The objective of the sessions is to help young people make positive life choices and begin to understand how the decisions they make now, can by the building blocks for a positive future and a pathway to success.

      At Newport County, their ‘POSITIVITY’ project will use the power of football and sport to engage with vulnerable and at-risk children and young people. Their focus is on providing support to those young people aged 14-17 who fall within the secondary tier of need, with the majority residing within the most deprived neighbourhoods of Newport. Young people will be referred on to the programme through key project partners including the police and youth justice teams.

      Hitesh Patel, Executive Director of the Coalition, added:

      “Reducing crime and anti-social behaviour is a core element of the Coalition’s #OpenGoal framework, which shows how the multiple returns on investment created by sport for development can help to generate significant public cost savings. We are delighted to be working alongside StreetGames and the Alliance of Sport in Criminal Justice to ensure this new funding supports and strengthens those organisations that can already demonstrate the positive social impact they are having on their local communities.”

      Football Club Community Organisations who have been awarded funding are:

      AFC Wimbledon
      Barnsley
      Blackpool
      Bristol City
      Burnley
      Cardiff City
      Cheltenham Town
      Derby County
      Fleetwood Town
      Grimsby
      Hull
      Leyton Orient
      Lincoln City
      Luton Town
      Millwall
      MK Dons
      Newport County
      Norwich City
      Peterborough United
      Plymouth Argyle
      Port Vale
      Preston North End
      Salford
      Scunthorpe United
      Sheffield Wednesday
      Shrewsbury Town
      Southend United
      Stevenage
      Sunderland
      Swansea City
      The Albion Foundation
      Walsall
      Wigan Athletic