Cumberland FA is renewing a previous call for member clubs to support their partnership with the British Heart Foundation during February.
Various means of support have been recommended including the importance of getting the recommended weekly exercise amount in or of spreading the word about the free BHF CPR Training (RevivR) to various club’s members.
A spokesman said: “We know most participants of our beautiful game will be exercising throughout the week, so we want to focus our attention on the support on the sidelines, whether this is the coaches or spectators watching.
“Watching the action of a match or even training can often feel like your heart is racing but are you getting the exercise you need?
“Exercise helps everyone live a happier and healthier life. If you have heart and circulatory disease, it can help manage your condition and get you feeling great.
“The British Heart Foundation recommends that you do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week.
“Moderate exercise is when you feel warm and comfortably breathless, like when walking or pushing a lawn mower, while intense exercise is when you breathe hard and fast like running, swimming or cycling.
“The BHF says it’s best to spread your exercise evenly over the week, making sure you have some rest days to ensure your body recovers. Being active is about living a happier, healthier life and should fit into it how you live.”
The County’s Referee Development Officer, Scott Taylor is on a mission to run every day – he’s already completed Red January clocking up 76 miles and is now aiming to beat his previous records.
In 2023 Scott ran every day until March 10th, which is his next target! Scott’s ultimate aim is to run each day until mid-May which he successfully completed in 2021.
As part of Cumberland FA’s partnership with the British Heart Foundation, the organisation hopesn people will show their support for Scott by sponsoring him and also give him encouragement as he completes this challenge for a hugely worthwhile cause!
Scott said: “I’m raising money for the British Heart Foundation and I’d be so grateful for people’s support.
“The BHF has helped halve the number of people dying from heart and circulatory disease in the UK but sadly every day hundreds of people lose their lives.
“Fred Conway was a dear friend and also my County FA Chairman. Fred sadly passed away in November 2022 from a heart related disease.
“I am the Referee Development Officer for the Cumberland FA and for the past few years I have tried to run every day from the 1st January, initially raising funds for RED January and mental health in sport.
“Last year I made it through to the 10th March and in 2021 to mid-May. This year I want to reach Friday 14th June which is the opening game of the Euros 2024.
“It’s only thanks to support from people like us that the BHF can create new treatments and discover new cures. £24 could pay for two hours of research by an early career scientist, but every pound helps so please give what you can to help me hit my target. Thanks!”
The County’s Football Development Officer, Helen Aitchison has so far raised £195 during the 50-50 challenge in November.
Clubs and teams can get involved using the fundraising ideas from the County FA’s partners at the British Heart Foundation.
Cumberland Clubs can also get some BHF pin badges to sell and donate the money earned to the cause.
Email [email protected] for more details.
Cumberland FA are encouraging 50 teams (or clubs) to raise or donate £50 during this football season to support the British Heart Foundation.
There are a number of clubs across the county already supporting the vital work of the BHF through the 50 for 50 campaign.
So far 14 clubs/teams have signed up to support the partnership throughout the season.
Abbeytown Ladies, St Joseph’s Walking Football Team, Whitehaven AFC and Workington Reds Ladies have added their fundraising to the Cumberland FA and BHF Just Giving Page.
Abbeytown Ladies raised £185 at one fixture selling teas and coffees while Workington Reds Ladies have donated £50 from a recent fixture with information included in their match day programme.
St Joseph’s Walking Football Team also donated following the Cumberland FA Walking Football League event with Whitehaven AFC contributing £50 towards the total.
More Cumberland Teams and Clubs have signed up to the partnership to support throughout the season: Allerdale Wildcats, Carlisle United Ladies FC, Dalston Black Reds FC and Dalston Junior Black Reds; Gillford Park FC; Maryport Amateurs FC; Penrith Football Club; Silloth AFC; Warwick Wanderers U9 Whites and Workington Juniors.
