FOOTBALL REPLAY the new national football programme of ‘Masters’ 5–a-side for men aged 35 and over

For Immediate Release - 8 June 2010

FOOTBALL REPLAY will be officially launched on Sunday 13th June 2010 at 45 centres across the UK with over 10,000 players forecasted every week - specifically created for those men who would love to get back into football but in a fun, relaxed and friendly way. Everyone welcome!

With an obvious demand for over 35s football but with the average man having increasing time commitments, concerns over their stamina, fear of injury and the quality of facilities in question - men tend to drop out of 11-a-side football. Football REPLAY has been created to make it easier and a lot more fun for all, by being able to offer the same place, same time every week along with smaller pitches.

Operating on Sunday afternoons throughout 45 centres across the country they are open to individuals or groups - you can choose one of the pre-set kick off times to suit: either 2.00pm, 4.00pm or 6.00pm and the sessions will usually last for around an hour. Although all players will be asked to pre-register a ‘turn up and play’ option will still be offered.

This fun programme 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.

Of course one of the major benefits of a programme like this is raising the health and fitness levels of all those involved, therefore Football Replay is working in partnership with the Men’s Health Forum who run National Men’s Health Week each year. The theme for this year’s National Men’s Health Week which is 14th – 20th June, is promoting the health benefits of physical activity and the longer term benefits of an active and healthy nation. www.malehealth.co.uk.

Editor Notes:
In partnership with The FA, County FAs, Sport England, County Sports Partnerships & the Football Foundation it is also being developed with a range of public health bodies to promote the role of physical activity in creating a more active and healthier nation. The programme will:

• Increase participation within a currently under-represented group.
• Encourage more men over the age of 35 years to partake in regular activity.
• Promote the benefits of staying active and being healthy.

The outcomes of the programme are directly in line with Government policy and Sport England’s strategy for a more active nation. They also fit the FA National Game Strategy and Football Foundation outcomes. There are already a number of public sector bodies who have committed their support to the programme. Mike Farrar, Chief Executive of the North West Strategic Health Authority, and the Government’s champion of physical activity across the health service, is fully backing the programme.

Media contacts:
For further information, please contact either Emma Woodridge or Helen Holness at Eventageous PR Ltd Tel: 01452 260063, emma@eventspr.co.uk or info@eventspr.co.uk