Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK; around 1 in 8 men are diagnosed with it at some point in their lives. While treatment options have improved, many men still experience physical and emotional challenges, including maintaining physical fitness. Exercise is effective in improving a range of physical and emotional outcomes for men with prostate cancer, including fatigue, muscle strength, and depression.
Walking football with Arsenal in the Community
We're excited to have welcomed the first participants to our exciting new joint project with Arsenal in the Community and Prostate Cancer UK, a walking football club for men with prostate cancer.
We’re funding weekly walking football sessions and a prostate cancer support group at The Arsenal Hub. Walking football is an inclusive, low impact sport, helping to improve fitness, coordination, and strength. The club offers a social and supportive environment, where men can connect with others going through similar experiences and enjoy the benefits of team sports. The support group is a safe space for discussing the learnings, complications, and difficulties associated with a prostate cancer diagnosis. And, of course, whilst each session is inclusive to all ability levels, there's always some match play, as we know participants are ultimately there to play football!
In February, the Stride On Walking Football group were invited to a pitch side presentation to watch the players warm up.
Once per season, a group supported by Arsenal in the Community gets the chance to attend a match day thanks to donated tickets from Arsenal kit maker and sponsor Adidas. As an extra special bonus, the 13 members of the group, as well as UCLH urology consultant John Withington, were granted the opportunity to be interviewed on the pitch by the stadium announcer during the halftime presentation in front of the crowd at a home game vs Liverpool in February. The project also featured in the match-day programme and was supported by an awareness and risk-checking campaign throughout the stadium, including posters with QR codes in the toilets, all in association with our project partner, Prostate Cancer UK.
Rhys Ratcliffe, Health & Wellbeing Manager, Arsenal Football Club
“Arsenal in the Community are so proud of the growth of the Stride On Walking Football project, as well as the progression of its members during their time with us. The safe space created has led to the men involved having important conversations and sharing lived experiences, which has enormously benefited them. The walking football has also shown the guys that no matter their situation, they can stay fit and kick a ball around as much as anybody when it is done in the right way and at the right level”.
To take part or to find out more email Rhys at rratcliffe