“REPLAY” is a new national football programme being launched in 45 locations nationwide offering the chance for men over 35 to ‘get back into football’ and enjoy the benefits of a more active and healthier lifestyle.
REPLAY starts on Sunday 13th June to coincide with the start of the World Cup. We are encouraging men to not just watch football but also to play football in an appropriate 5-a-side format and conveniently at the same place, same time every week.
There are usually 3 kick off times: 2.00pm, 4.00pm and 6.00pm. Men can book individually, as small groups or even as a team. Just book in, turn up and the centres will organise the rest. Everyone is welcome, all abilities and all fitness levels but a sense of humour is a must!
REPLAY focuses more around having fun rather than competitive football and as everyone is in the same boat the emphasis is placed more on style and skills rather than ‘blood & guts’ football, such as no sliding tackles, therefore minimising the injury risk.
The programme is also partnering with the Men’s Health Forum in highlighting how increasing physical activity can improve men’s health. With around three quarters of men aged over 35 now overweight, obesity is a major public health problem due to its association with serious chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes which are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular related mortality.
The outcomes of the programme are directly in line with Government policy and Sport England’s aim to get a million people doing more sport by 2012/13. Sport England’s Chair, Richard Lewis, said:
“This is a great chance for men to rediscover their love of football, just at the age when some are considering hanging up their boots. Football Replay will open up new opportunities for men who want to take part in football in a fun and friendly environment.”
The programme is also being backed by Mike Farrar, Chief Executive NHS North West and the National Champion for Sport, Health and Physical activity who said:
“Football REPLAY is an exciting development which I am more than happy to support. The health of the nation can be greatly improved by increasing levels of physical activity and REPLAY is a great opportunity to keep men over 35 playing our national game.”
Obesity is also associated with cancer, disability and reduced quality of life, and can lead to premature death. The annual cost of treating co-morbidities related to overweight and obesity is estimated to be £4.2 billion and is forecast to more than double by 2050
This programme is a first in creating a real link between our national game and the links into improving health. Whilst one advantage is creating a more active and healthier nation we are also exploring how other health priorities can be achieved for example using the football centres to run services specifically for men or delivering key health messages.
As one player commented “It’s more fun than the gym!”
The programme is also being supported by The FA. Simon Walker, National Manager for Adult Football said:
“‘The Football Association fully supports the aims and objectives of the ‘Football Replay’ programme that is being delivered through FA affiliated small sided football providers across England. This innovative programme looks to engage with men over 35 years old that have dropped out from playing football for various reasons, and through this fun and social small sided format the Football-Replay programme hopes to entice these individuals to return to playing some form of football on a regular basis.’