FIT FANS with Preston North End helped repair a broken relationship with Stephen’s personal health.

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Prior to Stephen’s journey on the FIT FANS programme at Preston North End Community and Education Trust, the world as he knew it was turned upside down. March 2020, the month that COVID-19 shook the whole of the United Kingdom, and many were advised to work from home and await further guidance. This was the start of a rapid decline for Stephen, and his health and wellbeing

Sadly, Stephen’s father passed away in 2020 too, and it left him feeling “broken” as his health took a backseat. Very quickly, he went from having a routine and a small amount of daily exercise to almost nothing. He sat for long periods of time whether that be at his work desk or on the sofa of an evening. As a result, Stephen noticed a significant decline in both his physical and mental health and at just 40 years old he knew that something needed to be actioned to change this.

One day, Stephen’s wife came home and told him that she had booked him in for his over 40’s health check, something he had been trying to avoid in the past but now owes her a lot of gratitude for doing so. All the tests and measurements that were taken, came back with some alarming results. He was diagnosed with Type II diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Stephen was thrown into a world of appointments, medications and following a list of dos and don’ts that he had never experienced before.

He explained: “Back in June 2021, my weight was 152kg (when I started Fit Fans, I weighed a bit less – 141.6kg), my BMI in June 2021 was 52. In terms of diabetes (Type II), I was at 61.”
Stephen spotted an advertisement at his local GP for our FIT FANS programme at Preston North End Community and Education Trust. He thought that the programme was something that suited him, and he described himself as “the perfect candidate” and that he “ticked every box”.

The Trust contacted Stephen in the Summer of 2021, but with no avail. In December 2021, there was a breakthrough and Stephen enquired once more and was enrolled onto the programme.

On the 17th January 2022, Stephen had his initial consultation at Week 0. Stephen weighed in at 141.6kg (22.3 stone), with a waist measurement of 144cm, a blood pressure reading of 176/104. Stephen was “devastated” at the numbers the FTI FANS programme has uncovered.

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.

Stephen engaged in the programme immediately with motivation to change evident. He completed at least 30 minutes of exercise every day and slowly noticed the pain he once felt when exercising was no longer there, and his enjoyment for moving his body grew and grew.

Not only did FIT FANS help Stephen with increasing his physical activity again but also provided him with the education about food, portions, drink, and exercise.

He said: “My most recent checks have all been fantastic (according to my diabetic nurse), my weight is 120kg currently, my BMI is 41 (she described this as phenomenal) and my Type II diabetes is 41, which is actually considered as pre-diabetic (this is the result that I wanted most), the target for me was to have this less than 48 and she says this is a fabulous achievement.”

FIT FANS has had such a dramatic affect on Stephen, his confidence, and his physical and mental health that he now attends other provisions that the Trust offers as well as visiting new cohorts of FIT FANS to share his own experience. A story that both Stephen and everyone involved at PNECET can be proud of.

Stephen expresses: “I’d just like to say once again how grateful I am to the whole Team at PNECET, I couldn’t have done this without your help, encouragement and support.”

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

    Lee’s Story: “I honestly don’t know where I’d be without FIT FANS. It’s made me have a much more positive outlook and feel more in control of my life’”

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    After losing his parents Lee spiralled into a depression that affected his confidence and self-motivation.

    For 6 years Lee retreated into himself, he did very little activity and his mental health was declining, to the point he sought professional help. Daily takeaways and a craving for sugary drinks, coupled with the lack of activity meant Lee’s was unfit, unhappy and overweight.  That was 2 years ago, today a, lighter, healthier, happier Lee has set up a Sunday League Football team and competes in track and field athletics.

    It was seeing an advert for Sunderland AFC’s FIT BLACK CATS programme that changed things for Lee. A very anxious and despondent Lee made the brave step to join the programme run by the Club’s Foundation of Light charity. The free 12-week programme is part of the EFL Trust’s FIT FANS initiative, which is run at over 40 EFL clubs and provides those aged 35-65 with an opportunity to make a life-style changes, to help lose weight, get fitter, and lead a more active life.

    The fact that the 12 week programme was at Stadium of Light was a big motivation for football fan Lee, he comments, “Training and learning inside of the Stadium of Light was a fantastic experience and so inspiring,”

    Thanks to FIT FANS Lee ditched the daily fast-food and learnt how to manage his cravings for his favourite Dr Pepper drink and began changing his eating habits; all of this progress led to him achieving the biggest weight-loss of over 6kg – a feat he never thought he’d reach.

    “I honestly don’t know where I’d be without the programme. It’s made me have a much more positive outlook and feel more in control of my life’”

    However, the 12-week programme was only the start of the process. FIT FANS is all about making small sustainable lifestyle changes that can be carried forward. As can be seen with Lee’s journey; two year later he has lost another 6kg of weight, is living a totally different life and doing thing he never thought possible.

    Lee explained. “It started with running. I hadn’t done any running in almost 12 years, but I was doing three 5-mile runs a week when the course finished. It was the running that sustained me through lockdown. Then when things opened up again, I felt confident and fit enough to play a few casual games of football and I really enjoyed it. There, were quite a few of us that weren’t part of a team and were just playing the odd game here and there. I recognised some of the guys could really benefit from playing more regularly. So, I set up a new Sunday league team. It’s hard work doing all the admin, but I can see the benefit that the guys get from playing and I know from my own journey what a difference it can make – so it’s well worth it”

    Not content with one new sport, Lee has also taken up track and field athletics. He explained, “I really enjoyed Athletics in my younger days but really thought I was too old for it now and those day had gone. However, I felt in such good shape, that I thought why not give it a go again? So I did, I was a bit rusty at first but stuck with it and after a few months I was able to be competitive in the sprints and throwing events and so I’ve kept going.”

    Lee has also kept up with the healthier eating lessons he learned during FIT FANS.

    He says “I’m not dieting and depriving myself of food, but just eating sensibly and balanced. I’ve not totally cut out all the things that you might consider unhealthy, I have them when I feel like it – they are only unhealthy in excess anyway.

    Most of all my Mental health is good now. The dark days seem a long way, away. My life is totally different now and It all started with see a Facebook ad for FIT BLACK CATS. So I’d really urge anyone feels like they are in bad place to give it a go because it really can change your life”

    To register your interest in your local FIT FANS please complete the form below, selecting your chosen club from the drop down menu

      * 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 U’s success inspires Saj, Terry and Chris to continue their more active lifestyles.

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      Three men determined to shed the pounds and live a healthier lifestyle have set up Oxford’s newest walking club after enrolling on a free health programme for men and women.

      Saj Rana, Terry Winter and Chris Jones meet at Risinghurst Cricket Club every Thursday from 6.30pm as part of a shared ambition to be more active, get fitter and lead a better-connected life.

      The trio met via Oxford United in the Community’s FIT U’S programme. The free 12-week course was launched this summer and combines theory behind living a healthy and active lifestyle with fun and engaging activities.

      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.

      Saj Rana has been busy shifting the pounds and making new connections with FIT U’S with a very personal reason for doing so.

      He explains: “I feel much healthier for joining FIT U’S. I have two beautiful grandchildren and want to see them grow up and spend as much time with them as possible.

      “It does cross my mind occasionally how many years do I have left, and how can I improve my lifestyle to ensure I live for as long as possible.

      Banbury-based exercise and nutrition expert Rebekah Stapley leads the programme, which aims to tackle cardiovascular disease (CVD) rates locally.

      It comes after figures revealed CVD causes a quarter of all deaths in the UK and is the leading cause of premature deaths in people experiencing homelessness, mental health issues and those living in deprived areas.

      Saj added: “Eating the right foods and drinking responsibly while being active by getting the body moving is the best solution, and FIT U’S has given me the motivation needed to make those changes.

      “I found it very reassuring that every person can set their own individual goal and there is no pressure or expectations at our sessions. Turning up is an achievement in itself and the social benefits are equally important.

      “I’d encourage anyone considering making simple but effective changes to their lifestyle to sign-up now and get involved – you’ve got nothing to lose.”

      Saj Rana in full flow at FIT U’s!

      Saj, 58, hopes to welcome more members to the club this winter while the charity recruits’ people to enroll onto its next FIT U’S programmes, which start on November 15.

      “It started off as just a one-off walk, but now we meet every week and the health benefits are fantastic,” said Saj. “Although we had never met before starting FIT U’S, Terry, Chris and myself share a lot in common and combining talking and walking really accelerates the time.

      “We’ll be 6,000 steps into our walk, equivalent to burning 300 calories, and barely noticed we had started. It makes a huge difference exercising in the company of likeminded people but finding something to facilitate this isn’t always easy if you’re overweight or not comfortable going to the gym.

      “Typically, we’ll walk for 45 minutes but there are no set rules or commitments. It would be fantastic to welcome more people, especially through winter when sitting at home watching TV is a far easier decision to make.”

      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

        EFL Trust supports Lifebuoy’s mission to help youngsters on Global Handwashing Day

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        Each year on 15th October, 200 million people worldwide celebrate Global Handwashing Day.

        We’d urge you to join Lifebuoy’s mission to educate five million children on the importance of hand hygiene by 2025!

        Teaching our children why handwashing matters is vital.

        Lifebuoy, Official Hygiene Partner of the EFL, set up a kids hand hygiene programme called ‘Soaper Heroes’ which has been put in place to improve kids hand washing behaviours.

        The aim of the programme is to help kids, and those around them stay healthy. If we can keep them away from having sick days from nasty germs, we can have them out playing sport and there is where you can help! Lots of clubs and kids are already taking part in the programme, utilising the engaging and educational football activities in their everyday training sessions.

        Good hand hygiene doesn’t need to be difficult!

        By downloading the Lifebuoy Soaper Heroes programme, you will also receive the following:

        • A welcome letter from EFL’s Soaper Heroes Ambassadors
        • An overview of Lifebuoy’s Soaper Heroes Programme
        • Soaper Heroes warm up activity
        • Soaper Heroes clean up activity
        • Educational Hygiene Posters for your club
        • Soaper Heroes certificates

        Search Soaper Heroes to find out more or visit https://www.lifebuoy.co.uk/soaper-heroes-for-schools.html

        Download your Soaper Heroes pack by clicking here.

        Mandatory Credit: Photo by Paul Greenwood/Shutterstock (13026137ba)
        Bela Shah visits children in St Oswalds Primary school to join in a Lifebuoys Soaperheros session in Wigan

        FIT HATTERS helps Kate return to the pitch with Luton Town Ladies FC

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        Adult Obesity is a growing problem across the country. As people age their lifestyles change and they tend to become less active. FIT FANS is a FREE health programme for men and women, aged 35-65 that looks to address this by helping people lose weight, get fitter and lead a healthier life.

        Taking place at the Stadium, using the unique affinity people have for their team and the special emotion that fans feel for their home ground to add a bit of stardust to the activity. Funded by Sport England. FIT FANS is down in no small part, to the social aspect of the sessions. Since 2019 1,000s of Fans have lost over 18 tonnes of weight and improved their lifestyle with FIT FANS.

        Luton Town are one of over 40 EFL Clubs that run FIT FANS. Each Club run the programme under their own brand – in Luton’s case FIT HATTERS.

        Kate Walsh, a lifelong Luton Town fan who also plays for the Ladies’ team is a great example of how the programme works. Kate had to take an extended break from playing the game due to ill health which in turn affected her mental health and self-esteem.
        Kate Commented.: “Whilst I have been overweight for many years it hadn’t really bothered me when I was active and playing football, but when I wasn’t able to play I started to feel fat and useless.”

        As a season ticket holder at Luton Town, Kate was no stranger to the FIT HATTERS adverts but never considered it because of her own football career. When she knew something needed to change and she felt that this was the perfect opportunity for her.
        Kate explained: “The team at Luton Town running FIT HATTERS have been amazing and because it’s my club I feel at home and very attached to the programme. I also feel very well supported.”

        Having followed the programmes educational, physical, and nutritional advice, Kate is “feeling better than ever.” Kate has Type 2 diabetes which had recently deteriorated, and she was advised to begin medication but she is determined to improve her own blood glucose levels with the methods she had learnt on the FIT HATTERS programme.

        FIT HATTERS has also helped Kate’s anxiety by giving her a positive focus each week, even when her life gets stressful. It isn’t just Kate who has seen the benefits but also the coaches at the Women’s Team who have been impressed with her improvements and she has been signed for the upcoming season and is enjoying playing football again.

        Kate is not alone in seeing life changing results. On average women 90% of men and 85% of women lose weight during the programme with many losing a clinically significant amount (Women over 3kg and men over 5.5kg by the end of the 12 weeks). More importantly the evidence also shows that lifestyle change, and weight loss are sustained over the following 12 months.

        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 HATTERS has given Dave the kickstart to sustain his healthier lifestyle.

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          When Dave enrolled on the FIT HATTERS Programme, he was his heaviest ever weight and consequently, his mental-wellbeing suffered as much as his physical health.

          He often felt very low and lacked the motivation to do anything let alone consider jumping straight into exercise.  However, as he arrived at FIT HATTERS although initially apprehensive, he said: “the feeling soon passed, I was made to feel very welcome, by the staff and the other participants.”

          The journey which started with FIT HATTERs has seen him lose 7.5kg so far and more importantly feel happier physically and mentally.

          Dave was aware of the bad habits that had led him to this point, with evening snacking being the biggest problem for him. In the first week of the programme, he looked at increasing his step count by a small manageable margin but did not lose any weight and became disappointed.

          This gave him more motivation to create better lifestyle habits as the weeks passed, increasing his step count further once more and even significantly reducing his evening snacks.

          Dave joined other initiatives run by Luton Town in the Community including FIT HATTERS maintenance sessions and walking football.

          As a result, Dave lost 3kg by the end of the course but states the benefits as so much more than physical. He explains: “Going through the FIT HATTERS programme has given me the motivation, knowledge and support to start my journey, it has improved my life both physically and mentally.”

          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.

          Since completing the 12 weeks, Dave has lost a further 4.5kg and continues to exercise at least 4 times a week whilst ensuring he eats a healthy, balanced diet.

          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 RAMS gives Carrie the ability to live the life her and her family deserve.

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            Prior to starting FIT RAMS with Derby County Community Trust, Carrie had tried many times to lose weight and get healthier but had found herself struggling to stick to diets and weight-loss plans.

            “Before I started FIT RAMS had no confidence and felt no self-worth. I felt that everything I did I failed at as I had done with so many diets in the past. I was so morbidly obese, with a terrifying BMI that I worried constantly about leaving my children behind with no mother.

            “I was unable to walk very far without feeling very tired. I had no energy and absolutely no motivation. I knew I wanted to make changes so much but just couldn’t see a way out of the cycle of binge eating and depression.”

            Getting out of this cycle was exactly what Carrie needed to reach her goals and that is where FIT RAMS came in to help.

            “I love the fact there was no pressure to make any changes to our lives and it was all on our own terms. This helped massively with the previous cycle I have felt from other classes of feeling like you’ve failed so continuing on a downward spiral. The SMART goals are really good for helping with this. This for me was so much better than being given an unrealistic eating plan and being dictated to.”

            FIT RAMS was a revelation for Carrie, who committed herself to the course every week and enjoyed the process.

            “I have learned so much by coming to the classes every week and have really enjoyed them. I’ve never missed a class and that’s because I looked forward to coming and didn’t feel judged or daunted by an intense exercise class that I wouldn’t be able to keep up with.

            “The classes were so varied with quizzes, small group activities and full group discussions that I never felt under any pressure to contribute more than I felt I could. This variety made the sessions more interesting and helped to maintain my attention. I also felt our group was very friendly and supportive and I never felt silly asking any questions in front of anybody there.

            “The exercise classes were amazing. They started off at such an achievable level that I didn’t get scared off after the first one! Every week Jon made them a little harder and that was perfect for me to keep my enthusiasm going and I also felt like I had really achieved something in each class.”

            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.

            By the end of the course, Carrie lost an amazing 10.3kg and 13cm off her waist and feels like she’s making steps forward thanks to FIT RAMS and the support she received.

            “I finally feel like I can succeed on my journey now and that’s down to Jon and Ben. They have helped me to start living the life I deserve and have helped me to feel like I am worthy of investing my time into. I will always be grateful for the time and planning they have put into the sessions and their attitude towards people like myself who just need some help to get back onto the right path.

            “I can’t thank you both enough and am looking forward to attending the maintenance classes regularly.”

            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

              The EFL Trust launch ‘Headstart’ to support children’s mental health

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              Year 6 children to receive mental health support to reduce NHS strain.

              The EFL Trust, alongside four Club Community Organisations (CCOs) in Lancashire, are aiming to support children and their mental health through a new two-year project, Headstart, funded by Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Charity after successfully applying for an NHS Charities Together Grant. Read more

              Eco pupils and Trust make Ewood Park green

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              Blackburn Rovers Community Trust (BRCT) welcomed hundreds of eager pupils from across the North West who want to make a sustainable difference to their lives and those of future generations. 
               Read more

              FIT FANS with Bolton Wanderers opened Gemma’s eyes to health and wellbeing

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              Prior to attending her first FIT FANS session, Gemma was apprehensive and reluctant to get involved in the programme as she had some misconceptions surrounding the programmes morals and outcomes.

              She believed that like other weight loss initiatives, weekly weigh-ins would be made in front of the group, with participants feeling as though they would have to explain themselves in an uncomfortable environment.

              However, Gemma exclaims: “I was so very wrong.”

              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.

              Gemma saw her weight increase after her wedding, but she desired to feel better about herself.  FIT FANS has allowed her to do just that, all with the support of other women just like her.

              She said:

              “Once we had started and I had met the other ladies, I started to relax and think that I wasn’t the only person feeling the same way and started to feel like we were all in this together.”

              The sustainable approach of FIT FANS is unlike any other where participants partake in a blended session of classroom and physical activities.

              Gemma explains:

              “I learned so much in our classroom part of the sessions, some things were an eye-opener – how much cheese is classed as a portion for example (shocking), other things I knew but weren’t putting into practice. It gave me a real boost to think about what I am putting into my body, about portion sizes, and about how much I move.”

              With a boost of willpower and knowledge, Gemma was able to re-evaluate her diet and start to implement some of what the course had taught her. This was beneficial for Gemma’s weight loss but also for her general health and wellbeing.

              She said:

              “The physical exercise parts were the bits I loved the most. I really enjoy the feeling afterward and how much stronger and fitter I am becoming week after week.”

              The 12-week FIT FANS programme with Bolton Wanderers has provided Gemma with the foundations to continuously implement a healthy diet and regular exercise in her day-to-day life.