Football sessions set to help men tackle prostate cancer

Men affected by prostate cancer are being offered the chance to join football training sessions at the home of St Johnstone.

Prostate Scotland and the SPFL Trust’s 12-week initiative, Prostate Football Fans in Training (FFIT), kicks off on June 12 from 10.30am-12.30pm at McDiarmid Park.

The free programme is being delivered by community coaches from St Johnstone’s charity arm, Saints in the Community, along with a Prostate Scotland cancer exercise specialist.

Participants can expect to improve their fitness, get help with the side-effects of treatment, gain nutritional insights and benefit from meeting other men on a similar journey.

Prostate Scotland services development manager Elaine Stewart said: “We’re absolutely delighted to announce this new partnership for Prostate FFIT being offered by the coaches from Saints in the Community.

“Going through prostate cancer treatment is challenging – emotionally, mentally and physically.

“The programme aims to support and alleviate the impact prostate cancer has on the lives of men, especially for those on hormone therapy.

“Participants have so far taken part in the programme at Rugby Park, Tynecastle and Ibrox Stadium.

“The feedback we’ve received from men is powerful – Prostate FFIT is making a huge difference.

“We’re inviting Tayside men going through their treatment to sign up and take part.

“Getting out of your head, doing physical exercise, meeting with others and laughing – it offers a new perspective.

“Let us support you in your prostate cancer journey.”

SPFL Trust chief executive Nicky Reid said: “Prostate FFIT has been a huge success, working with partners to adapt our Football Fans in Training programme to support men living with prostate cancer.

“Research shows that men don’t always seek out mainstream health support. Professional football clubs offer a unique hook – it’s the familiarity and excitement of the environment that encourages men with prostate cancer through the doors.

“Prostate FFIT offers men the experience of being in the changing rooms, meeting the players, exercising in the grounds and the camaraderie of speaking about the game at the weekend. It’s these

commonalities that help break down the barriers to accessing the health information and fitness programme.”

Prostate FFIT has been developed by Prostate Scotland in partnership

with the SPFL Trust, Glasgow University Health and Wellbeing Institute and the Exercise Clinic, as well as clinicians and men living with prostate cancer.

Nearly 90 men have taken part in the successful

programmes to date at Rugby Park, Tynecastle and Ibrox. There are 16 places available for the Perth programme and more information can be found at spfltrust.org.uk/ prostateffit/

January’s Prostate FFIT sessions at Rangers’ Ibrox stadium in Glasgow were a success.