MHF and FA back NHS online World Cup fitness initiative

The MHF is backing a new fitness tool from the NHS designed to help men get fitter while enjoying the World Cup.

With football fans spending a great deal of time over the next few weeks in front of the TV during the World Cup, the new NHS World Cup fitness online tool allows fans to test their match fitness and see how they compare to fans from around the world. Somne of the tool's proposed fitness challenges involve the MHF's malehealth site.

The tool aims to encourage adults to get more active. As an added bonus, players will be able to find out how much they (and their fitness levels) would be worth in today’s transfer market and score points for their favourite World Cup team by answering a series of simple health questions.

Backed by the English Football Association as well as the MHF, the tool is available via Facebook, iTunes and NHS Choices

Public Health Minister Anne Milton said: 'Many people will be glued to the TV over the next few weeks as we support England in the World Cup. Hopefully watching some of the best, and fittest, players in the world will inspire people to get active - whether that means getting their football boots on or any other form of exercise.

'This aims to get people thinking about how simple changes in their life, like eating a better diet or joining their local Sunday league football team, could improve their health.'

The Football Association said: 'Encouraging more adults to ‘get into the game’ and participate in football at every level is a key priority of The FA. We are working hard across England to recruit and retain 11 a side teams, coaches and referees. Football is the nation’s favourite game and is unique in offering many formats and opportunities.

'From small sided games to community action programmes, like the Football Fan Fitness Challenge mean everyone can get involved in a way that suits the variety and demands of their modern lives.'

MHF CEO Peter Baker said: 'We know that many men will watch the World Cup with a can of lager in one hand and a slice of pizza in the other. Because we'd like men to stay in good enough shape to cheer England all the way, we're suggesting they put the remote down for long enough each day to do a brisk walk and eat some healthy grub too.'

Football fans in England can also choose their favourite domestic team, and everyone who plays will stand a chance to win tours of Wembley and tickets to England matches, provided courtesy of the FA.

• World Cup fitness challenge