How Washington AFC football club has been keeping players match fit while supporting the NHS
A football club is supporting its squad and the community with exciting challenges to keep players match fit while raising money and paying tribute to the NHS.
Since the beginning of lockdown, Washington Association Football Club has been keeping players active and engaged with video challenges and technique videos so they can continue their development.
The clubs latest challenge involves players keeping match fit by running, jogging or walking one mile every day for the month of May to improve endurance, with over 140 people taking part.
The challenge was set up in order to keep the Washington AFC footballing family fit and healthy, both physically and mentally during difficult times.
Under 9’s player Kieran Ladd, is using the challenge to raise money for both the club and a cause close to his heart, Portsmouth ITC.
Washington AFC Head of Football, Gary Sykes said: “Washington AFC have actively been supporting the local communities during difficult times over the last 8 weeks during the Covid-19 lock down. With our players not attending school or weekly football training, this has had a major impact on their social, physical and mental wellbeing.
“The aim of ‘Keeping Match Fit’ is to support our footballing family to good mental health - reduce stress levels, increase their energy levels, improve self esteem and reduce depression.”
So far, Kieron is rising to the challenge and has already raised £400.
Washington AFC has been supporting the local communities and parents by holding quizzes and fitness sessions to keep spirits high during lockdown.
The club has also shown their gratitude to NHS staff with a unique tribute, by of displaying a ‘Thank you NHS’ message cut into the club pitch by their groundsman.
The message took eight hours to display and is being continually maintained as a way to show the clubs support and thanks for work NHS are doing.
Gary added: “One of our WAFC groundstaff worked on producing a message on our football field to show and appreciate the work to the NHS.”
Anyone who would like to support Kieran with his keeping match fit challenge can do so via his Just Giving Page.