Smoking and vaping will be side-lined at local sports clubs across Leeds as part of a new city-wide health kick.
Leeds City Council, Leeds Rhinos Foundation and Leeds United Foundation have teamed up to encourage grassroots football and rugby clubs to restrict spectators from smoking or vaping at training sessions and match days.
The ‘smoke and vape-free sidelines’ campaign aims to create healthy environments and positive role models for children while also reducing smoking levels by signposting to the free and accessible stop-smoking services available in the city.
Leeds Rhinos Foundation and Leeds United Foundation have pledged to work with all their community clubs across the city to support them in signing up to a new ‘Smoke and Vape-Free Charter’.
Each club that joins will appoint a dedicated champion to lead the work and have access to a range of resources including branded equipment packs, clubhouse and pitch signs, regular expert advice and rewards for demonstrating progress.
Coun Emma Flint, Leeds City Council’s executive member for equality, health and wellbeing, said: “We’re thrilled to have the support of our city’s major sports clubs on this important public health campaign.
“Sport plays a crucial role in shaping attitudes and behaviours, particularly among young people, and grassroots clubs and communities teams are uniquely positioned to provide positive role models and environments to support healthy choices.
Smoking and vaping are set to be sidelined at local sports clubs across Leeds thanks to a partnership between Leeds City Council, Leeds Rhinos Foundation and Leeds United Foundation.placeholder image
Smoking and vaping are set to be sidelined at local sports clubs across Leeds thanks to a partnership between Leeds City Council, Leeds Rhinos Foundation and Leeds United Foundation. | Leeds City Council
“We hope this project will influence norms and expectations around tobacco and nicotine use and improve the health of players, families and fans across the city and beyond.”
Victoria Eaton, Leeds City Council’s director of public health, said: “Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable ill-health and death and up to two in three smokers will die prematurely unless they quit.
“Our stop smoking services are to here to support all those ready to make that vital change to a healthier future, with evidence showing specialist support greatly increases the chances of quitting for good.”
Ben Berry, health and wellbeing Manager at Leeds Rhinos Foundation, said: “We’re really pleased to support clubs in becoming smoke and vape free, preparing them for the new Tobacco and Vapes Bill and providing much-needed resources and guidance.
“This initiative gives community clubs the tools, advice and recognition they need to provide a safe, smoke and vape free environment for players, volunteers and families.”
Simon Wood, Head of Wellbeing at Leeds United Foundation, said: “We’re delighted to collaborate with the Rhinos and Leeds City Council in helping clubs in becoming smoke and vape free.
“We’re proud to be leading this positive change in our communities and seeing clubs taking positive steps to protect the health and wellbeing of our young people in the future.”
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