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The initiative will use the power of football to engage and deliver a prehabilitation programme to prepare individuals physically, nutritionally, mentally and emotionally for all cancer treatments by enhancing strength, fitness, and overall health before and during treatment.
Working in partnership with South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (STHFT), the tertiary cancer centre for Tees Valley and Durham, the programme will engage with participants from some of the most disadvantaged communities in Teesside, reaching those who might otherwise struggle to access support and compliment the treatment being provided by STHFT.
Personalised Cancer Care Prehabilitation Lead Chloe McMurray said: “I am delighted to be partnering with Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation to expand access to high‑quality cancer prehabilitation across our local community. A cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but prehabilitation gives people the power to step into treatment feeling stronger, more prepared, and more in control.
"By supporting physical health, nutrition, emotional wellbeing, and confidence, we help individuals realise that they are not facing this journey alone. Delivering sessions within such iconic welcoming community venues allows us to bring personalised, evidence‑based support closer to home.”
Cancer Prehabilitation aims to reduce treatment-related side effects, improve recovery, reduce length of stay in hospital, reduce re-admissions into hospital, and empower patients to maintain their quality of life.
Paul South, Health & Wellbeing Manager at the Foundation, said: “Supporting people through this prehabilitation programme reflects our commitment to strengthening community health in the areas that need it most. By working in partnership with the NHS, we are ensuring that people across Middlesbrough can access timely, high‑quality support that helps them prepare for treatment and improves their long‑term outcomes.”
The programme will also provide a long-term benefit for sustainable health and wellbeing during and beyond cancer care and will be a supportive community where patients can connect and share experiences. Throughout the duration of a rolling 6-week programme, referred participants will take part in exercise sessions (which will be adapted as required) followed by refreshments, social and emotional support, and activities based around goal setting and mindfulness.
Sessions will be delivered at the Riverside Stadium and our Herlingshaw Centre in Eston.
For more information, please contact [email protected]