High praise for LFC health programme
The Liverpool FC Foundation has played a major role in a Barclays Premier League men's health initiative, according to a new study carried out across the country.
Three years ago, the Premier League began its campaign with the aim of improving fitness and general wellbeing of more than 10,000 men who required a change in their lifestyle.
Of the clubs to feature in England's top division during that period, 16 sides delivered the programme, with research showing that the Reds were a model for others to follow.
The foundation has helped over 1,000 people after partnering with the Liverpool Primary Care Trust as well as Cancer Research UK and NHS Health Trainers, with schemes such as a weekly cycling group proving popular.
Results showed that 70 per cent of participants made a positive change to their behaviour, four out of 10 improved their level of activity, and one in three introduced improvements to their diet.
Mark Haig of the LFC Foundation told the BBC: "It's more around the power of the football badge. Men traditionally don't look after their health, traditionally they don't go to their GP, certainly in this area that's true.
"But we do know with the LFC badge we can attract men to come and engage in activities and in doing so we can get some really important health messages out to them."
