Local sports clubs pledge to go smoke-free

David Bottomley and Councillor Sameena Zaheer pledge their support with sports club representatives

Six local sports clubs have pledged to go smoke-free to give children the chance to enjoy physical activity without being subjected to harmful second-hand smoke.

The clubs signed up to the Smokefree Sports Scheme at an event held at the Crown Oil Arena on Thursday 1 February.

They will now enforce a no smoking policy at their junior training sessions and matches to de-normalise smoking around children and young people so they are less likely to take it up, promote healthy lifestyles and protect children and families from the health harms caused by smoking.

The clubs

• Bamford Tennis Club
• Heywood Cricket Club
• Littleborough Juniors Football Club
• Rochdale Football in the Community
• Rochdale Junior Football Club
• Wardle Football Club

Rochdale Sports Club and Bridge Juniors Football Club implemented smoke-free policies last year.

The scheme, run by the council in partnership with Link4Life and the Living Well Service, will provide the clubs with a policy, promotional signage and leaflets to help challenge anyone smoking on the touchlines. Support will also be available for those wanting to give up smoking via the local stop smoking service.

Councillor Sameena Zaheer, assistant to the cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “We know that smoking is bad for your health as one in two long-term smokers die from smoking related diseases, such as heart disease, cancers and strokes.

"We also know sports are a great way to stay healthy so the two just do not go together. I am pleased to see our sports clubs taking this step towards our ultimate aim of all children and young people being smoke-free and living in a healthier, happier borough.”