Football Club Trust to Implement Healthy Living Initiative

The community trust of a football club is collaborating with a local council in an effort to encourage residents to engage in more physical activity. The city council reported that merely 61% of adults in Preston achieve sufficient physical activity for health benefits, a figure notably lower than the average across England. Preston North End Community and Education Trust (PNECET) has secured a £100,000 contract to manage a fitness initiative. Participants in the programme will receive guidance on weight management and structured exercise training. Two distinct 12-week programmes are scheduled to commence in January. One of these is designed for adults, while the other targets children aged between five and 10. The council indicated that the children’s programme will concentrate on physical activity “in a fun, interactive and safe environment,” further noting that participants will also acquire cooking skills. Additionally, adults will be assisted in identifying potential barriers to weight loss and in making more nutritious food choices. Emma McNamara, the Head of Health and Wellbeing at PNECET, stated: “We know that achieving a healthier weight can be a challenge and maintaining a healthier weight can be difficult too.” Councillor Martyn Rawlinson further commented: “This programme will play a vital role in reducing health inequalities and obesity, helping Preston residents feel healthier and happier.”