Posted April 7, 2015

 

Cowdenbeath supporters are enjoying a FFIT and healthy 2015 – thanks to the roll-out of a healthy lifestyle and training programme led by The SPFL Trust and now backed by famous faces Archie MacPherson and Alan Rough. 

 

The Football Fans in Training programme* (FFIT) – which helps supporters feel better and live a healthier lifestyle by losing weight, taking more exercise and improving their diet – ran at 16 clubs last year and is now being delivered at an additional 10, including the Fife side. 

 

The initiative, funded by the Scottish Government, is free for participants and is now running for the fourth consecutive season at Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) clubs. Those taking part in the 12-week programme can enjoy weekly training sessions at the home stadiums of the clubs they support, enjoyable unique behind-the-scenes access. Since the project began, participants have collectively lost an incredible 7.5 tonnes in weight.

 

The latest phase of FFIT, which will reach 1,200 people including an estimated 14 at Cowdenbeath was launched by legendary Scottish football commentator Archie MacPherson – the voice of a radio campaign to help attract participants – as well as former Scotland goalkeeper Alan Rough. 

 

Archie MacPherson said: “Football Fans In Training is delivering exactly what football has always had the power to do – a strong link between club and community, for the betterment of the supporters – and it’s great to see Cowdenbeath involved in this. 

 

“I’m proud to lend my voice to this superb programme which has already achieved amazing results, and I’m just as thrilled it has now been extended to run at 26 SPFL clubs across the country. I wish all Cowdenbeath participants every success with FFIT and look forward to hearing of many more successes in the future.”

 

Tom Ewing, Cowdenbeath Director with responsibility for the programme said: "We are delighted to be part of the Scottish Football Fans in Training programme helping local men get fit and develop a healthy lifestyle. We are currently recruiting the next intake to begin the programme in May so if anyone wants to join the next Cowden FFIT and get in shape for the summer holidays, register with the Club by e mail at office@cowdenbeathfc.com or phone 01383 610166.

 

* FFIT is a free 12 week physical activity and healthy eating programme designed to help men become more active, improve their diets and lose weight, and to maintain these changes in the long term. Each week men take part in a training session at their club’s home ground and receive advice and tips about how to eat more healthily, how to fit more physical activity into their daily lives and how to make these lifestyle changes for the long term.