Football Aid Sign “Smokefree United”

Football Aid is delighted to announce a new partnership with the NHS, as the Health Board launches its latest campaign to get footballers and football fans alike to give up their cigarettes and take up a healthier lifestyle. 

'Smokefree United' is an NHS initiative designed to show smokers the difference that kicking the habit will make to their health and to their wallet. Football Aid has provided a selection of their prestigious “Live the Dream” positions as prizes for those football fans who have signed up to the 'Smokefree United' website looking to commit to a smoke-free lifestyle.  

Football Aid Executive Director David Dale said: “Football Aid is pleased to be supporting the Smokefree United campaign, and we hope that it will encourage people to 'kick' the habit for a healthier lifestyle. 

”Hopefully our magnificent 'Live the Dream' positions will be an added incentive for people to sign up to this worthy campaign"

It is estimated that there are over 11 million smokers in Britain alone, however this number has decreased since the smoking ban came into force between 2006 and 2007. The 'Smokefree United' campaign highlights the recurring health problems caused by smoking, and a website has been set up to actively encourage the public to stay “smoke free”. 

Smokers have a lower capacity of lung function, which results in the reduction of oxygen intake into the body. During sport, this lack of oxygen into the lungs will quickly make the smoker feel tired, and as they struggle to catch their breath, their healthy competitors can take advantage and win a game. 

Giving up smoking has obvious benefits. From only 15 days after giving up, walking and physical activity are easier due to a 30% increase in respiratory function. However between one and nine months, smokers will have much greater energy as their general fitness capability increases.  

The campaign highlights that it is 4 times more likely for someone to stop smoking with help from the NHS.  For further information on this campaign, or on how to stop smoking, please visit their website – smokefree.nhs.uk/united