WIGAN ATHLETIC HELPS MEN IMPROVE THEIR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH

WIGAN ATHLETIC HELPS MEN IMPROVE THEIR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH

To celebrate Men’s Mental Health Week, Wigan Athletic Community Trust is shining a spotlight on the significant impact of the Football 4 Fitness programme.

In support of Men’s Health Week, Wigan Athletic Community Trust are highlighting the impact of the Football 4 Fitness programme. Football 4 Fitness is a weekly community football session, which takes place every Tuesday at Leigh Sports Village aiming to support men by promoting positive lifestyles and improved fitness. Men of all abilities, over the age of 18 and with a BMI of 25+ join in to improve their physical and mental health.

“[My] fitness has got better. I really recommend it. Everyone just slots in straight away. It’s a laugh.”

Peter, Football 4 Fitness Participant

At the session, participants take part in a warm-up and small sided football sessions overseen by a fully qualified Wigan Athletic Community Trust coach, with an emphasis on improving fitness, increasing sporting ability and creating an enjoyable social environment allowing participants to connect with one another.

One participant, Peter, has seen a noticeable increase in his fitness, motivation and support from other members of the group.

#FOOTBALL4FITNESS

“I’ve not really kept up with my fitness in quite a few years, I’ve had a child and to be honest, that was my priority and I was just looking for something social and fitness that I could really get my teeth into. I went to the GP and I saw the advert there and thought, ‘Yeah this sounds like a laugh’, it’s really convenient at a time that works for me. It’s basically just having a laugh, playing football and not taking it too seriously.“

“I’ve done the gym before regularly, but I prefer stuff like this because it’s more of a social thing as well as working out. It’s more fun to play football than just lifting weights. Everyone’s welcoming, as soon as you get here you know you can get on with anyone. Everyone just gets on, plays football and it’s a laugh.“

“My fitness has got better, and then because I know I’ve got football tonight, that’s helping my diet as well, you know, keeping more conscious on that side of things. I really recommend it, everyone just slots in straight away. It’s a laugh.”

Peter, Football 4 Fitness Participant, Speaking at a session

In addition to Football 4 Fitness, Wigan Athletic Community Trust run a wide range of health and fitness programmes for adults.