Football Clubs unite to tackle cancer

Four Football Clubs across the North East and North Cumbria are teaming up with the Northern Cancer Alliance to launch an innovative programme to tackle cancer by providing support to people living with cancer.

Following the success of the programme across Lancashire and as World Cup fever grips the nation, the English Football League (EFL) is rolling out the programme across Middlesbrough, Sunderland, Newcastle and Carlisle Football Club charities in partnership with the eight hospital trusts in the area.

'Versus Cancer' will offer free weekly ‘prehabilitation’ and ‘rehabilitation’ sessions to support adults to get into the best possible condition when preparing for, and recovering from, cancer treatment or surgery. Research shows that patients who are fitter are more able to cope with the strains of cancer treatment, and more likely to spend less time in hospital and recover sooner.

This flagship initiative will combine tailored exercise with social and emotional support to help people improve both their physical and mental wellbeing. It will provide hints and tips for leading a healthier lifestyle and give people the opportunity to connect with others living with cancer and share their experiences over a cuppa after each session.

Debbie Cook, Director of Community at the EFL, said: “Versus Cancer is a great example of the National Cancer Plan coming to life and shows the important role that Football Club charities can play in supporting. A big part of the programme is that it takes place away from a clinical setting - at a Football Club, which is a trusted organisation within the local community and naturally has a very different feel to a hospital.

"Versus Cancer is more than just exercise; for many, it is a lifeline, reducing isolation by bringing together like-minded individuals who share similar experiences and truly understand what each other is going through. We are delighted to be working with the Northern Cancer Alliance on this project to help people at a time when they need our support most.”

Clare Doney, Clinical Lead for Living With and Beyond Cancer at the Northern Cancer Alliance, said: "We love our football here in the North East and North Cumbria and we are delighted to be supporting the EFL in this initiative.

"These Clubs are at the heart of their communities and are ideally placed to deliver this blend of physical, mental and emotional support which can bring so many benefits to people before, during and after cancer treatment and surgery.

"Versus Cancer helps realise the ambitions of the National Cancer Plan by providing care closer to people's homes, broadening access to prehabilitation and rehabilitation and working more closely with community partners.

"It also stands as a powerful reminder that facing cancer is not only a physical battle, but an emotional one too. By combining expert guidance with genuine human connection, the programme aims to make a lasting difference, and we are excited to see it launch."

The programme is planned to begin this summer and will run for 12 months. Patients aged 18 and over should speak to their hospital cancer teams for details of how to access the sessions taking place at Clubs.

Patients across the North East and North Cumbria will be able to choose which club's sessions they would like to attend.