Football Fans in Training Inverness Caledonian Thistle

Registration is still open for Inverness Caledonian Thistle fans looking to get fit and improve their lifestyle with the SPL Trust’s Football Fans in Training (FFIT) programme, a partnership between the SPL Trust, The Football Pools and Scottish Government which tackles a number of men’s health issues.

Two blocks of 12 week courses will run at Inverness Caledonian Thistle and all other SPL clubs, with the aim of increasing physical activity, improving diet and promoting a healthy lifestyle amongst supporters.

Football Fans in Training is open to men aged between 35 and 65 who meet any of the following criteria: Body Mass Index (BMI) of 27 and over, belly 100cm and over or a trouser waist size of 38 inches and over.

412 men took part in the first block of Football Fans in Training sessions in autumn 2010 and participants lost a total of 2,300 kg in weight, the equivalent of almost 19,658 pies!

The programme recently won a European Professional Football League (EPFL) Best Practice Award in the Social Responsibility category. The EPFL Best Practice awards celebrate and raise awareness of the very best League initiatives in areas such as Social Responsibility, Youth Development and Communications.

Supporters can find out more by calling 0800 389 2129, texting FFIT to 88802 or emailing ffit@sphsu.mrc.ac.uk

Inverness Caledonian Thistle Manager Terry Butcher urges fans to sign up: “It is vitally important for a club our size to be involved in the community and to be able to help people who are supporters of the club back into a healthier lifestyle is very rewarding for all involved.  My message to all who come on these courses is simply BE THE BEST YOU CAN BE and I think many of the fans involved have used it as real motivation to succeed.  The course promotes a gradual change in the men’s lifestyle, encouraging them to be more active and to eat more healthily.  The men form a strong camaraderie which enables the group to succeed as well as giving individuals the chance to shine.  This is a fantastic opportunity to give something back to our supporters and also improve their lives.”

Billy Singh, General Manager of the SPL Trust, 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.”