What a result! Boost for fans’ weight- loss scheme
FOOTBALL fans in Glasgow will have plenty to shout about this season after a unique weight- loss scheme was given a funding boost. The highly- successful Football Fans in Training ( FFIT), a 12- week course which gives supporters the chance to train with their club, has received a bumper £ 100,000.
The additional funding means the 2020/ 21 programme will see at least 1050 fans complete the scheme at teams such as Rangers, Celtic, and Partick Thistle.
Thistle woman Alison McKenzie is one of the thousands to have benefitted since FFIT was launched ten years ago.
She said: “I think this is the first time in my whole life I’ve not been overweight.
“I’m not a football fan, but this programme is for everyone, and it has given me an opportunity to build friendships with other participants.
“I never thought I’d be able to do this, but it has been life- changing for me and my family.”
Developed by the SPFL Trust, the charity- arm of the SPFL, in partnership with the University of Glasgow, FFIT returns after six months on the sidelines due to the pandemic.
Connal Cochrane, director of the Rangers Charity Foundation, said: “Football Fans in Training has long been one of our most popular programmes, and we are
delighted to see that it has received such positive funding support. “During the last three seasons alone, 380 people have lost a combined total of 292 stone through their fitness sessions at Ibrox.
“It’s been such a success, that we at the Foundation launched a self- funded continuation programme, so
people can carry on their fitness journeys at Ibrox once the course has ended.
“The interest from fans shows no sign of stopping, and we look forward to continuing this good work for many seasons to come.”
The new funding has been supplied by the Government, which
Scottish is in
addition to an
£ 264,000 grant. SPFL Trust chief executive Nicky Reid said: “We are delighted that the Scottish Government is investing a further £ 100,000 to support FFIT at participating community trusts and associated clubs in deprived areas. That is testament to the scheme.”
existing