MFC Foundation are helping fans to tackle their weight, get healthier and be happier by joining FIT FANS, a free 12 week programme at the Riverside Stadium.

Launched in January 2020 at 30 Clubs in England, the EFL Trust’s FIT FANS programme is supported by over £2.25 million of National Lottery funding from Sport England and aims to use the magnetism of football to tackle obesity levels in over 10,000 fans across the UK.

36.4 million people (61.4% of England’s population) live within 10 miles of an EFL ground, with four in 10 residents within this catchment area falling into the most-deprived population groups.

Sport England has identified lower physical activity participation rates among people living on low incomes and that is why they have joined forces with the EFL Trust network to help people create a long-term healthy and active lifestyle.  FIT FANS is one of a number of initiatives to tackle lower physical activity participation rates among people living on low incomes, which is one of Sport England’s key priorities.

FIT FANS is the operating name in England and Wales for Football Fans in Training, which was created in a Scotland by the University of Glasgow and the Scottish Professional Football League Trust.

The programme shows individuals how to:

• Improve their eating habits by reducing portion sizes and swapping fatty and sugary foods for fruit, vegetables and high fibre foods
• Achieve at least 45 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on most days of the week. They receive weekly exercise sessions at their club for 12 weeks, and follow a personal pedometer based walking programme that encourages them to fit physical activity into their daily lives
• Use tried-and-tested behaviour change techniques to become more active and improve their diet. These include regular self-monitoring of their weight and pedometer step counts and setting SMART goals to make changes that can be sustained long term.

The 12 week programme gives fans unprecedented access to their club and a look behind the scenes.

For more information on the FIT BORO programme please contact paul.south@mfcfoundation.co.uk

The provision formerly known as FIT BORO may have a new name, but the aim of MATCH FIT remains steadfastly the same.

The very popular fitness and nutrition-information classes will soon be playing out again on the concourses of the Riverside and in Skelton, East Cleveland.

Free of charge, Match Fit is a 12-week programme for men and women aged 35-65 (give or take a year or two).

A programme for the body and mind like no other. it has helped so many in recent years. As those who have participated know, the Riverside is a setting unlike any gym, while Skelton has proved to be a social occasion as much as a fitness session.

Both venues offer a welcoming and supportive environment with likeminded people. Our staff don’t judge, they advise and help. That’s maybe one of the reasons past programmes have proven so popular.

The first sessions are:

Tuesday May 7th 6-7.30 Riverside – Women

Wednesday 8th 5.30-7.00 – Skelton Civic Centre – Mixed

Monday May 13th 6-7.30 Riverside – Men

To sign up, or to find out more, e-mail enquiries@mfcfoundation.co.uk or ring 01642 757674 any time 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.