The FA, The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) and the Everyman Male Cancer Campaign are challenging men to get fit this summer by taking part in a new event with a football twist - the 'Keep Your Eye on the Ball' 5k run.
Taking place on Sunday 3 June, the run is exclusively for men and gives participants the opportunity to take part either individually or on behalf of their chosen football club to raise money for male cancer research.
Similar to The FA Cup, lower division teams will find themselves pitted against the top Premier League clubs in the battle to see who is the fastest over 5km. At the end of the race, the winning team will be the one with the fastest average running time. Prizes will also be awarded for the fastest individuals and top fundraisers.
The event is taking place in Victoria Park in East London and all participants will be asked to pay a small registration fee and encouraged to raise £100 through sponsorship. All money raised will go to the Everyman Campaign, which funds research into testicular and prostate cancer.
"There are many charity runs that take place, but the Keep Your Eye on the Ball 5k is very unique," commented Everyman patron Neil Harris (Millwall striker and testicular cancer survivor).
"Not only is it one of the few male-only runs, but the football theme gives it that competitive edge and it is all in aid of a cause which affects us men," he added.
The FA's Director of Football Development, Sir Trevor Brooking also offered his support for this summer's 5k run: "We're delighted to be involved with this event because not only is it raising money for one of The FA's official charity partners, but it is also encouraging men to get fit in the process."
"The PFA is committed to raising funds and awareness for male cancers which is why we founded the Keep Your Eye on the Ball campaign with The FA and Everyman. We hope that people will be inspired to get fit and enjoy the benefits of their health for the 5k run," said Gordon Taylor, Chief Executive of The PFA.
"Footballers are not immune from these diseases and we want to ensure male cancers are as high on the agenda for men as female cancers are for women," he added.
A variety of professional footballers are also expected to turn up on the day, giving people the opportunity to run with some of their footballing heroes. Registration is now open so to request an entry form call 0800 731 9468 or visit the Everyman website www.everyman-campaign.org.
About Everyman:
The Everyman Campaign is run by the Institute of Cancer Research to raise awareness of, and fund research into, testicular and prostate cancer at the Everyman Centre, Europe's first and only research centre dedicated to male cancer.
About 'Keep Your Eye on the Ball':
'Keep Your Eye on the Ball' is a campaign run by The FA, the PFA and Everyman to raise awareness of testicular and prostate cancer to the football community. For further information about male cancer and the campaign visit www.keepyoureyeontheball.org or call 0800 731 9468.
