Sport scientists at Sheffield Hallam University will be delivering free health checks to Sheffield United supporters in a bid to improve the wellbeing of fans.
Last night the University began the first in its series of offering mini health MOTs to Blades fans attending Bramall Lane on selected match days, with the aim to help raise awareness of cancer and improve general health.
Supported by Weston Park Cancer Charity and Arm, and in partnership with Sheffield United Community Foundation and Sheffield United Football Club, the 15-minute health checks are designed to look at current health, lifestyle and fitness and will include advice on changes that can be made to improve wellbeing. Fans will have the choice of up to two tests including body composition, blood pressure, cholesterol or lung function.
At the launch prior to the QPR game on 20 February, Chairman Kevin McCabe and SUFC legend Tony Currie were just some of the top names who were championing the free health checks. Over 25 appointments were delivered in the 3 hours leading up to kick off by the SHU team with more to come at forthcoming home games during March and April.
Sheffield United staff, players and fans have health checks at the first Blades Fan Fit event at Sheffield United, Sheffield, United Kingdom, 20th February 2018. Photo by Glenn Ashley.
The service will be available at the following fixtures;
- v Burton Albion – Saturday 3rd March, 11.30am-2.30pm
- v Nottingham Forest – Saturday 17th March, 11.30am-2.30pm
- v Middlesbrough – Tuesday 10th April, 4.15pm-7.15pm
The tests will take place at the Sheffield United Community Hall, which is located on John Street and supporters will need to arrive 15 minutes in advance of their appointment time to complete questionnaires that will help the scientists evaluate the programme with a view to extending the scheme further.
Christina King from Sheffield Hallam’s Centre for Sport and Exercise Science, said: “We have an extremely successful wellness programme that we have developed and delivered to our own staff here at Hallam and to other organisations across the city and nationally.
“Our team of scientists have been trained to deliver a unique style of health assessments that has been demonstrated to have had a positive impact on an individual’s health and lifestyle choices and we are delighted to be able to offer this service to Sheffield United supporters.”
To book one of the appointments in advance, fans are urged to email HWB-fanfit@shu.ac.uk with a preferred game, time slot and two selected tests. For more info see the attached flyer or visit the Sheffield United website .
Of course, if you are a member of staff then you can benefit from a full free SHUWellness health check at either City or Collegiate campus. If you are interested to find out more and to book visit the staff intranet or email shuwellness@shu.ac.uk or follow us on twitter @SHUWellness.
