Teixeira supports Foundation scheme

The 21-year-old joined a group of participants taking part in a circuit training session which was followed by a five-a-side match at North Liverpool Academy.

Liverpool FC Foundation delivers a targeted men's health programme in local communities across the city, aiming to improve the wellbeing of male residents aged 18 years and over.

The scheme was created in response to the high levels of poor health across the city region.

It targets the key risk factors which contribute to this including; poor diet, obesity, heart disease, low physical activity level, cancer prevention, alcohol and drug awareness and mental health and wellbeing.

Through the delivery of free sessions, the programme helps to improve access to information, increase public health engagement and encourage sustainable health improvement.

Joao said: "It's important for both men and women to look after their health and wellbeing. This programme really encourages the men in the city to take more of a proactive approach to leading a healthy lifestyle, which will benefit their long-term health and happiness."

Mark Haig, head of operations at Liverpool FC Foundation, added: "Our men's health programme has been running for more than eight years and during that time we have helped thousands of men across the city region to live healthier lifestyles.

"Liverpool, unfortunately, has poor levels of health in men, the life expectancy is just 74 years, which is almost four years lower than the national average.

"Men also have higher death rates for all 15 leading causes of death, including, cancer and diabetes, and only 26 per cent visit their GPs for regular check-ups.

"Our programme was designed to combat the poor levels of health through simple sessions delivered in our local communities which focus on health and wellbeing, physical activity, awareness and change, using the power of the Liverpool badge."