Issued by City of York Council
Men over 40 are being encouraged by City of York Council to put on their football boots and enjoy coaching sessions which look to improve ability and fitness levels.
City of York Council, in partnership with York City in the Community and benenden Healthcare, are arranging five sessions from Wednesday 27 February to Wednesday 27 March from 6pm to 7pm at York Sports Village. The hour will be a fun coaching session and will include small sided (5 a side) games. Sessions will be delivered by qualified FA Level Two coaches.
Sonja Crisp, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism said: “These sessions are aimed at men over 40 to encourage them to become more active and reach their recommended 150 minutes of physical activity a week. This group of people generally have a low participation in sport so Back to Boots will help increase fitness levels.”
York City in the Community, which has done a lot of work with young people, are now looking to involve older participants through coaching. By focusing on football skills, teamwork and fitness training, it is hoped that participants will be able to play a better game, become fitter and enjoy all the social benefits of team sports.
The first week will be a free taster session and then the next four weeks will cost £15. Participants will also receive a free health check. The checks being offered by York City’s health and wellbeing partner Benenden Health in partnership with the Nuffield Health York Hospital, will take place on 15th and 16th March.
If there is sufficient interest it is hoped that a senior (40+) 5 a side football league will be developed, supported by the North Riding County FA.
York City Communications and Community Director Sophie Hicks said: “We are delighted to be able to be part of the Back to Boots initiative. We genuinely want to contribute to the well- being and health of people in York and our community team works very hard to deliver exciting sports programmes for all.”
Lawrence Christensen, Head of Sales and Marketing at Benenden Health, said: “This is an excellent scheme which encourages men to improve their fitness levels by engaging in a fun sporting activity. We are thrilled to get involved and offer free health checks in partnership with Nuffield Health in order to help participants see the tangible benefits to their health of getting more active.
‘We’ll certainly be encouraging our own staff to get involved – either by taking part themselves or getting their friends or family members to sign up!”
Sessions will take place outdoors on the new third generation, low impact, artificial grass pitch, whatever the weather!
For more information and to reserve your place contact Catriona Sudlow, Older Peoples Physical Activity Officer, on (01904) 553377 or email [email protected].
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