Smokefree United mini football tournament
Residents from across Barking and Dagenham will gather together on Friday 18th December to take part in a Smokefree United mini football tournament.
Up to 100 people in eight teams will battle it out to be crowned match champions, with prizes being awarded to the top three Smokefree superstar players.
AIR Football has been working with the local Barking and Dagenham Tobacco Alliance and Barking and Dagenham’s NHS Stop Smoking Service to highlight the benefits of quitting smoking to its players, through the game of football. As well as this AIR Football coaches are currently being trained to advisor level by the local NHS Stop Smoking Service, so they are able to run sessions and offer timely advice to their players.
Colm Whitty, the founder of AIR Football said; “I used to be a smoker and I am an ex-footballer, so I am perfectly placed to help my players stop smoking and tell them first hand about my own experiences of quitting smoking. recognise the lifestyle benefits that go with it. Quitting as a team is a great way to stop smoking, as you have a large network of support around you, and you keep each other motivated.
“We have been working with the local NHS Stop Smoking Service, who regular come into our training groups to give advice and quite a few of the team members have now stop smoking – and their fitness and their game has picked up. I would urge people thinking about quitting to sign up to Smokefree United, or to visit their local NHS Stop Smoking Service.”
Vicki Evans, Tobacco Programme Coordinator, Barking and Dagenham said; “”The local Barking and Dagenham Tobacco Alliance has part-funded AIR Football in order to promote the many benefits of a smokefree lifestyle and to increase quitting amongst its players. As the local Tobacco Alliance, we are committed to finding innovative ways to tackle the high levels of illness and reduced life expectancy caused by smoking amongst our population. Currently over a third of our residents are smokers, which has a significant impact on people’s overall quality of life and wellbeing. Reducing smoking is one of the key things we can do as a borough to improve the health of our residents.”
Smokefree United is a team of footie fans, all determined to quit smoking. It provides coaching and support to help football fans quit smoking, with motivation emails from Ian Wright and online forums for members to speak with other members, or exchange stories.
NHS
Event details
Date: 18th December 2009:
Time: 12.30 – 17.00
Location:
Goals Centre, Dagenham Leisure Park,
Cook Rd, Dagenham, RM9 6XW
