Brooking backs scheme to get over-35s back in the game.
Men over the age of 35 are being urged to take up football ... as a way of further extending their lives.
Football Replay, an FA backed scheme which offers fun five-a-side football for over-35s, has been launched and will operate weekly at 39 centres across England.
And according to Sir Trevor Brooking, The FA’s Director of Football Development, it’s an exciting and much-needed initiative which will create opportunities to lift fitness standards as well as stay involved in the national game.
“We’ve been concerned for some time about drop-out levels as amateur players move into their 30s, and research has shown that time commitment, the quality of facilities, stamina and a fear of injury are contributory factors," explained Brooking.
“Football Replay offers a way around those perceived obstacles, placing the emphasis on style and skill in a more manageable five-a-side game, rather than on fitness and commitment, and it’s definitely about having fun once a week with a group of friends.
“I know from my own experience that there comes a time when the body does start to tell you to be more selective about your football activities, but that doesn’t mean we have to walk away from the game.
“Football Replay’s format is an ideal alternative offering people of similar fitness standards and levels of ability the chance to turn up and have fun.”
The scheme also has the backing of The Men’s Health Forum, which is campaigning for men – especially those over the age of 35 - to improve their activity levels by taking part in sport.
According to the Forum, action is urgently needed because far too many men still die too young – 22 per cent in England and Wales die before they reach 64 compared to 13 per cent of women, and 42 per cent are deceased by 75 compared to 26 per cent of women.
Currently just 40 per cent of men say they are active at the levels recommended by the Chief Medical Officer and significantly, there is a big drop in men’s activity levels after the age of 35.
Dr Ian Banks, Men’s Health Forum President, said: “After the age of 35, there is a sharp decline in men’s physical activity. Many say they don’t have the time but they also blame poor health or that they simply feel ‘too old’.
“Unlike women, men tend not to be motivated to improve their health, to lose weight or improve their appearance. It’s tragic that so many men still die young from conditions that are preventable.
“We must develop health messages that men are likely to respond to, for example by emphasising the short-term pleasurable and rewarding benefits of physical activity, not just the longer-term health benefits.”
Nigel Hargreaves, the Founder of Football Replay, believes the scheme has a huge part to play in the campaign to combat ill-health among those in that age range.
He explained: “The statistics speak for themselves and it’s crucial that men take note of them, and do something positive to look after themselves.
“Football Replay fits perfectly within the Men’s Health Forum remit and if enough men get involved at the 39 centres around the UK, we really can make a difference.”
For more information about how to get involved in Football Replay, visit
www.footballreplay.net.
