Herefordshire FA and Herefordshire Council have teamed up to launch the ‘Smokefree Sidelines’ campaign, encouraging parents and spectators to refrain from smoking at local youth football matches.

This new initiative aims to create healthier, safer environments for families and children to enjoy sports.

The Herefordshire Smokefree Sidelines campaign is a joint effort between the Herefordshire Football Association, Herefordshire Council, with full support from the Herefordshire Junior and Girls Leagues.

The campaign’s goal is to promote smoke-free sidelines at football matches to reduce the harmful effects of second-hand smoke, also known as environmental smoke. It also aims to de-normalise smoking, particularly for young people, as research shows they are more likely to pick up the habit by mimicking adult behaviours. Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable deaths in Herefordshire, with many smokers starting at a young age:

·         Most adult smokers first tried smoking before the age of 18.

·         Smokers who start young are at higher risk of illness and premature death.

·         Around 400,000 11- to 15-year-olds in England have tried smoking, and 100,000 continue to smoke (ASH, 2024).

This campaign aims to create smoke-free, healthy environments where children and young people can enjoy football and perform at their best. Clubs involved will also have the opportunity to educate players and families about the dangers of smoking and how to quit.

The campaign kicks off this weekend on Saturday 30th November, with a launch event at Wessington Juniors FC.

Craig Oakley, Chief Executive Officer from Herefordshire FA says:

"It’s fantastic that 21 of our junior football clubs have signed up for the Smokefree Sidelines Campaign, meaning hundreds of children will be taking parting in our sport in a smoke free space.  The high uptake to the campaign shows the commitment of all involved in Herefordshire football to support the project, educating all in football about the dangers of smoking as well as signposting for those to help quit smoking altogether”.

Harpal Aujla, Public Health Consultant at Herefordshire Council, said:

“We are excited to be partnering with Herefordshire FA on this important initiative. Smokefree sidelines have proven successful in other areas, providing children with a healthier environment to play the sports they love. This project will help prevent the uptake of smoking and support the health of our younger generation.”

Participating clubs will receive a range of support, including free smokefree sideline resources for matches and training days, as well as training on how to help members who want to quit smoking.

For information on getting help to quit smoking, visit: Talk Community Stop Smoking Support.

For further information about the campaign, please contact Danielle Harris on Danielle.Harris@herefordshirefa.com