The Scottish Premier League Trust today joined forces with The Football Pools and Scottish Government to announce an exciting partnership that will see top flight football clubs tackle a number of serious men’s health issues.

The donation of over £250,000 from The Football Pools, and additional support from the Scottish Government, will activate a unique programme, ‘Football Fans in Training’, to help improve the state of men’s health across Scotland. Operating out of all SPL clubs, supporters can sign up for free sessions aimed at increasing physical activity, improving diet and promoting a healthy lifestyle.

The programme has been developed by club coaches in conjunction with top medical and sports science professionals in Scotland and the Scottish Government Public Health Directorate.

Targeting overweight 35-65 year old males, each club will deliver a 12 week course with sessions being split between classroom health education and physical activity training.

Shona Robison, Minister for Public Health and Sport commented: “The Scottish Government’s Games legacy plan aims to inspire everyone in Scotland to get involved and take advantage of this unique opportunity to become a healthier nation.

“We want to encourage people to make lasting lifestyle changes which will improve their health and football is an ideal catalyst for raising the awareness of the changes people can make, from walking to games, eating healthier, kickabouts in the garden to on the pitch itself.”

“The Football Fans in Training initiative offers the perfect opportunity to get men thinking about their health and making changes that will benefit them in the future. I would encourage all those who are interested to get involved and become part of a legacy that Scotland can truly be proud of.”

Tony Higgins of the SPL Trust Board said, “Football Fans in Training is the first nationwide health initiative co-ordinated by the SPL Trust. It demonstrates that football clubs are no longer just about 90 minutes on Saturday but recognise their responsibility to involve supporters and the local community throughout the week. With Football Fans in Training, supporters have the opportunity to get closer to their local club, work with professional coaches and make positive changes to their lifestyle.”

Ian Penrose, CEO, Sportech PLC, owner and operator of The Football Pools said “We are delighted to be supporting the Scottish Premier League Trust scheme and believe that it will have a positive impact on the lives of football fans and the communities that lie in and around the Clubs. We are fortunate to be in the unique position of supporting the world’s biggest sport through our Pools products. The company has invested over £1.1billion into football and other good causes throughout its 87 year history. For 25 years, from 1975 to 2000, the Pools companies were one of the only sources of external funding for British football at a time when the game’s wealth was a fraction of what it enjoys today.”