Players get last-minute health boost

12:59pm Wednesday 13th August 2008

By Dale Haslam

PLAYERS from a successful football team have been making sure they’re in tip-top condition before the new season begins - and they want fans to follow in their footsteps.

The first team squad of FC United of Manchester, who play their home games at Gigg Lane, Bury, had a ‘health MOT’ test before Saturday’s opening game against Matlock Town in the Unibond League premier division opening game.

The reds have been promoted three times in three seasons since being created in 2005.

Supporters attending future home games are being invited to have a check up at the stadium before future games.

The Health Kick project is mainly aimed at men aged 16 to 24 or over 50 and is being lead by Bury Council and Bury Primary Care Trust.

As part of the test, players like goalkeeper Sam Ashton, captain Dave Chadwick and midfielder Chris Baguley had their Body Mass Index calculated and their blood pressure and carbon monoxide levels checked to see how healthy they actually are.

The project also runs fun yet informative workshops on all aspects of health and physical activity and participants will get the chance to gain recognised qualifications and given tickets for FC United matches.

Dates for when the tests are taking place are still to be confirmed.