Initiative Encourages Non-Smoking at Herefordshire Youth Football Games

Spectators attending youth football matches in Herefordshire are being requested to refrain from smoking during games. Herefordshire Council characterizes the Smokefree Sidelines initiative as fostering “healthier environments for families and children to enjoy sport.” Beyond mitigating exposure to second-hand smoke, the campaign’s objective is also to diminish the perceived normalcy of smoking among young individuals. Harpal Aujla, the council’s public health consultant, stated, “This project will help prevent the uptake of smoking and support the health of our younger generation.” The Smokefree Sidelines initiative represents a collaborative effort between Herefordshire Council and the Herefordshire FA, receiving backing from the Herefordshire Junior and Girls’ Leagues. To date, twenty-one junior football clubs have committed to the campaign. Craig Oakley, the chief executive of the Herefordshire FA, commented: “The high uptake to the campaign shows the commitment of all involved in Herefordshire football to support the project, educating all in football about the dangers of smoking as well as signposting for those to help quit smoking altogether.” An inaugural event for the campaign is scheduled to take place at Wessington Juniors FC on Saturday. For updates from BBC Hereford & Worcester, audiences can connect via BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. This content is Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for material on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external links is available.