Aberdeen FC Community Trust (AFCCT) is delighted to announce the Football Fans in Training (FFIT) programme will return to Pittodrie Stadium on Monday 15th January.
The initiative helps supporters feel better and live a healthier lifestyle by losing weight. FFIT is a health and wellbeing programme, where like-minded individuals attending the programme learn about healthy eating, portion control and increasing physical activity with a view to losing weight and becoming fitter.
Dougie Henderson, 45, from Mastrick said: “FFIT gave me the support and encouragement to kick a thirty-year smoking habit, shed five stone and increase my weekly exercise regime from doing absolutely nothing to exercising about six hours per week.
“The Club has given so much to me and I really wanted to give something back, so I now volunteer with AFCCT, delivering the popular Walking Football classes in Aberdeen, which is for like-minded people of all ages and abilities who are passionate about the game.”
Donna Reid, 40, from Northfield also began giving her time to AFCCT following the completion of the FFIT programme, with one of her roles including mascot responsibilities.
She said: “Before taking part in FFIT I suffered from depression, was unfit and overweight. I’m now a much happier person, more than two stone lighter and best of all I have made lifelong friends who I’ve kept in touch with ever since completing the programme.
“The experience has truly changed my life; it’s given me the confidence to do things I could have never imagined including running laps around Pittodrie and even having a go at the half time goal challenge at Hampden in 2016’s League Cup Final.”
During 2017, AFCCT ran the programme which proved very successful for all participants involved.
Dean McBain, Community Projects Officer said, “We are delighted to bring Football Fans in Training programme back to Pittodrie.
“FFIT has been an incredible success so far with an average weight loss of over 46 kg and 65.5cm off their waists.”
During the 12-week programme the participants took part in various activities and also visited Aberdeen Sports Village. The group also attended an AFC match as a group and visited Harlaw Park to meet more FFIT participants from the Garioch session.
Football Fans in Training has attracted more than 280 participants since it began in 2011.
FFIT includes classroom and practical sessions focussed on healthy eating, alcohol awareness and physical activity with participants meeting at Pittodrie once a week.
Football Fans in Training Details
• Every Monday from 15th January- Women aged 35-65- 6-7.30pm • Every Tuesday from 16th January- Male aged 35-65- 6-7.30pm
AFCCT is inviting Dons supporters to join the programme in January. For more information or to sign up please contact Dean McBain by emailing dean.mcbain@afccommunitytrust.org or call 01224 650416.
