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Football improves the health of the community

  • Last modified date:
    9 February 2007
  • Series number:
    Cm 6374

A new guide published today demonstrates how health and football professionals are working together in local communities to promote physical activity and healthy living.

NHS trusts, government departments, local authorities and football organisations recognise the power of football as a way to raise awareness of the importance of healthy living. The Football and Health guide will be launched at a conference that focuses on the power of sport to engage local communities.

The guide includes case studies to encourage more formal partnerships at a local level between football clubs, community organisations and primary care trusts. It draws together examples of how football has helped to improve levels of physical activity in local communities, and deliver important health messages to hard to reach groups.

Examples include initiatives that:

  • promote a healthier diet
  • teach drug and alcohol awareness
  • promote good sexual health
  • promote social inclusion.

The guide encourages partnerships between football clubs, community organisations and primary care trusts

Public Health Minister Caroline Flint said:

'The response to Choosing Health demonstrated that people want to take control of their health by making informed healthy choices. Football, alongside other sports, has been ahead of the field in putting these healthy living messages into practise and recognising its role in influencing the lives of its fans and players. But it is in reaching out to local communities that sport can offer a unique contribution.

'Many successful partnerships for health already exist between professional football clubs, PCTS and local Authorities. With endorsement from high-profile sports bodies, this guide will help the NHS expand its work to use sport to help communities make healthy choices.'

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