Spectators at youth football matches in Gedling borough could soon be being asked not to smoke while watching games by clubs taking part in a new initiative.
The Smokefree Sidelines project is being launched across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire to discourage smoking and vaping at children’s football matches, promoting positive role models and protecting young people from harm.
With 67,200 children in Notts living in smoking households and around 2,500 children starting to smoke each year, Councils say the initiative is a vital step in tackling one of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire’s biggest public health challenges – with children four times more likely to start smoking if a parent or caregiver smokes.
This collaborative effort between Nottingham City Council, Nottinghamshire County Council and the Nottinghamshire Football Association aim to create a more positive environment for children, young people, and families to enjoy the game, free from the harmful effects and visibility of smoking.
Clubs that sign up will receive a free Smokefree Sidelines kit, which includes footballs, bibs, bags and pavement boards, as well as a toolkit of posters, guidance and social media materials. These resources will help clubs make their sidelines smoke-free and visibly show their commitment to creating a healthier, family-friendly environment.
Councillor Dawn Justice, Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Health at Nottinghamshire County Council said: “Encouraging children and young people to stay fit and healthy is so important for their long-term health and wellbeing, and playing football is a popular and fun way to do this. While encouraging children to be healthy we also need to protect them from things that can cause harm to their health, like smoking or vaping. The Smokefree Sidelines project will help to create spaces at local clubs where children can play in a clean smoke-free environment, taking part in the beautiful game and enjoying a healthy lifestyle.”
Elaine Oram, Chief Executive of Nottinghamshire FA, commented: “Saturday and Sunday mornings across Nottinghamshire are dominated by children of all ages taking important steps to improve their wellbeing by exercising at football – and this environment should be one that does nothing but positively impact their health.
“The implementation of smokefree sidelines will further enhance players’ positive experience of football and encourage them to stay in the game for longer, further improving their physical health. That is something we are passionate about.”
Local football clubs within the county are encouraged to sign up now and access the free resources at: www.nottsmoking.co.uk/protecting-others/smokefree-sidelines/
