Degree course with Tranmere Rovers opened Michael’s eyes to discover his dream job.

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Michael once dreamed of the stardom that accompanies being a professional footballer, but through the exposure and experience the Degree course with Tranmere Rovers in the Community offered him, he realised a new dream; off the pitch as a Performance Analyst.

He first joined Tranmere Rovers in the Community to complete his post-16 education with a BTEC in Sports Development and Coaching; this was just the start of his journey.

Following the completion of his Level 3 qualification he enrolled on to the Foundation Degree in Community Football Coaching and Development with Tranmere in partnership with the University of South Wales and the EFL Trust.

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.

This is where Michael’s ambitions slowly began to transition from on the pitch as a goalkeeper to off the pitch as a Performance Analyst. Like many, Michael had the dream of playing professional football but the degree course with Tranmere Rovers opened his eyes to a wealth of other opportunities in the game he adores.

He said: “In all my years at Tranmere, the link to a professional football club has proved invaluable to me in wanting to progress my career in football. The opportunities for work experience both inside and outside of the club have been incredible.”

His ability to play the game also allowed him to have an in-depth understanding towards the analytical aspects of the game. Consequently, Michael has gone on to help the Tranmere Education teams and AFC Liverpool.

He explained: “One of my main responsibilities was to create a comprehensive presentation for pre-and post-game feedback to the players. I have worked with the Tranmere Education teams as their analyst to provide a statistical summary of the major events during matching to the coaching team, which is an important tool for improving future performance and player development.”

Michael is still completing his degree after enrolling in the top up course; BSc (Hons) in Community Football Coaching and Administration. However, he has achieved a wealth of experience and qualifications to ensure a successful future.

He has completed his UEFA C coaching badge and through his hard-work and opportunities that the University of South Wales pathway has given him he was appointed as National League side, Chorley FC’s analyst for the 2022/23 season, something he credits highly to his time at Tranmere Rovers in the Community.

“I am currently finishing my degree but know I have a bright future in football thanks to my time at Tranmere. I have already been accepted to complete a master’s in Performance Analysis in Football at University Campus of Football Business for September.”

Click here to find out more about the degree 

Successful FIT FANS programme launches in Wales

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A new scheme to help fans get fit through their love of football has been officially launched in Wales.

FIT FANS is a collaboration between the Football Association of Wales and the English Football League Trust (EFL Trust), supported by funding from the Welsh Government’s ‘Healthy Weight: Healthy Wales’ programme.

Football fans aged between 35 and 65 will be able to join the 12-week healthy lifestyle programme. The free scheme will be delivered by the charitable arms of Welsh football clubs and their community coaching staff to groups of up to 30 people who are hoping to lose weight.

FIT FANS has successfully been delivered at over 40 EFL clubs in England since 2019 and more than 8,000 people have engaged on the programme. On average, participants lose over five per cent of their body weight during the 12 weeks. To date, participants have lost a total of 17 tonnes, the equivalent of 17 VW Beetles.

Participants are encouraged to make long term behavioural changes by incorporating physical activity and healthy eating into their daily lives. The course includes exercise sessions, classes on improving eating habits and pedometer-based walking exercise during the week.

The programme has delivered its first classes in Wales at Cardiff City, Newport County and Swansea City, with Wrexham, Aberystwyth Town and Caernarfon following next month.

About 1.5 million adults in Wales are overweight or obese, with higher levels in the most deprived areas. The new programme is part of Healthy Weight: Healthy Wales, the Welsh Government’s long-term strategy to prevent and reduce obesity in Wales.

Speaking at the launch event at the Cardiff City Stadium, the Deputy Minister for Mental Health and Well-being, Lynne Neagle, said:

“Being a healthy weight is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of long-term health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and cancers.

“If we want to reduce obesity, we need to use innovative ways to encourage more people to get fit and develop healthier lifestyles. The FIT FANS programme is a great way to help football fans improve their health at their local club.”
Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden, said:

“This is an excellent way for football fans to come together to make a positive change for their lifestyles and health – together stronger. As a Government, our aim is to encourage more people to take part in sport and active recreation and to be taking enough exercise to see significant health benefits. It’s excellent to see that these classes will be available at many football stadiums across Wales – and I wish those taking part every success on their journey to a healthier lifestyle.”

Cathy Abraham, CEO of EFL Trust, said:

“Through the unique appeal of football and the power of the club badge, FIT FANS successfully engages people who need help improving their health but aren’t motivated by the gym or the myriad of commercial weight loss programmes. We’re thrilled to be working with the Football Association of Wales and the Welsh Government to bring FIT FANS to football communities across the country.”

Eleri Williams from the Football Association of Wales said:

“Here at the FAW, we believe that there is huge potential for clubs across Cymru to become centres of community wellness. We are committed to doing what we can to support clubs to harness that potential and the FitFans programme is an important element of that. Through the programme, fans can come together, get fitter, healthier and make new friends, all within the football family environment.”

Gavin Hawkey, Director at Cardiff City FC Community Foundation, said:

“Football clubs are at the heart of their communities. At Cardiff City FC we harness the power of the club to change lives. We’re delighted to collaborate with partners to deliver this innovative project which will inspire healthier lifestyles and improve wellbeing in our communities.”

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

    FIT FANS with Plymouth Argyle has given Michael the ability to be active with his children.

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    Before attending the FIT PILGRIMS programme, Michael’s biggest motivator was his kids and being unable to engage in simple physical activities with them left him with feelings of anger and sadness.

    However, the 12-week programme with Plymouth Argyle Community Trust has transformed Michael’s physical and mental health.

    He explained: “Now, I am happier, I’m happy with my progress, happy with my mindset, happy with how I feel overall with my health and fitness because its improving.”

    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.

    Throughout the programme, Michael lost 13.5kg in weight, and has not only seen the benefit in his physical performance but has also learnt that nutrition is a key factor in living a healthy lifestyle.

    He said: “I’m much  more active throughout the day, averaging 7 miles each day. I’m more conscious of what I am eating and looking for better options rather than the quick, cheapest option that tends to be the worst.”

    With such great results, that have benefitted his children too, Michael has engaged with other programmes the Trust run to ensure he remains active, all whilst having fun.

    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 part of Rosemary’s love for Plymouth Argyle.

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      For over 20 years, Rosemary has been participating in provisions provided by Argyle Community Trust. Not only has she been a familiar face with the Trust, but also the club where she has held a season ticket for several years.

      Long before the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns, Rosemary attended the skittles and curling activity sessions with her husband. However, she sadly lost her husband and her son a few years ago.

      Suddenly, Rosemary was at risk of isolation and loneliness only heightened by the national lockdowns. However, the Trust once again provided solutions albeit virtually for some time.

      She participated in the online Zoom sessions as part of the Tackling Loneliness Together project, associated with Extra Time Hubs and has attended the sessions ever since.

      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.”

      She said: “I always know I’ve got something to look forward to and the amount of friends I have made through the group and now we are very close nit, and all get on well with each other.

      “You come out and socialise and its great here as you can be yourself! Everyone is comfortable with each other. The group now also organise their own Christmas meals, separate from Argyle, showing how close they have become and how important the group is to all the members.”

      Simply, she could not praise the Trust enough.

      “I don’t know what I’ll do without it, it’s a part and parcel of my life (same as Argyle)

      “They have been absolutely fantastic. It has kept me in touch with things because I lost my husband and son a few years ago.

      “It has been brilliant; I can’t praise them enough.”