EFL LAUNCHES PROGRAM TO COMBAT LONELINESS

June 21, 2019

A dozen English Football League (EFL) clubs are set to launch a new initiative aimed at helping retired and semi-retired individuals combat loneliness and inactivity.

The 12 football clubs will work with local and national partners to run ‘Extra Time Hubs’, which seeks to bring older people together and provide a range of activities that could benefit their physical and mental health.

Funded with the support of Sport England’s Active Ageing Fund from the National Lottery, Hubs will initially be created at 12 EFL Club Community Organisations across the country.

All the Hubs will hold launch events at their respective grounds throughout Loneliness Awareness Week, which runs until 21st June.

“Extra Time Hubs will enable people to decide which activities they want to do and not be prescribed for them, as well as giving people the opportunity to meet like-minded people and feel less isolated,” said Mike Evans, Director of Operations at the EFL Trust.

According to the EFL, studies show that 42% of those over the age of 55 are inactive, and many people would like the opportunity to meet others to feel less isolated, live well and do things they enjoy.

The 12 clubs involved in the programme include Derby County, Charlton Athletic and Wigan Athletic of the Championship.

Mike Diaper, Sport England’s Executive Director for Tackling Inactivity, added: “The EFL and those working on the Hubs have taken specific care to understand the needs of the older adults taking part in their local areas to provide a fantastic service and prove that getting older doesn’t have to mean slowing down.”

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