The second block of the 12 week Football Fans in Training session at DAFC started on 1st February. Launched in 2010 by the SPL in conjunction with The Football Pools and the Scottish Government, Football Fans in Training aims to tackle the health and fitness of Scottish men aged between 35 and 65. Running across the SPL Clubs, this free 12 week programme focuses on fitness training and nutrition advice and has the added incentive of letting fans train at their chosen beloved football club.

This is the first season that DAFC have been able to offer this course to fans following its return to the SPL and it's been a huge success.

Community Coaching Manager Kelly Armstrong says "Both myself and coach Gregor Tennant really enjoy delivering the programme and we've met some real characters. The weight loss from the group has been amazing with some losing as much as 53lbs!"

The first group were introduced to a number of activities that prior to the programme they would not have dreamed of trying for example Bootcamp training and Bodycombat. They've also taken part in five-A -side football, spinning and rowing.In addition to fitness and nutrition advice, the group had motivational talks with DAFC Director of Football, Jim Leishman and past players Bert Paton and Willie Callaghan also came along to share some of their stories.

Kelly said:-
"It was great to see the guys on the course so motivated and willing to give these classes a try. The feedback from the participants has been fantastic and some say life changing. The guys have come a long way from week one and I hope they continue with their hard work. Gregor and I will be keeping in touch with them all to help them achieve their goals."

To join the course you must have a BMI of 28+, a waist measuring 38 inches or more and you must be prepared to up your exercise and change your eating habits. In the first week of the course the participants are introduced to their new best friend, the pedometer, and threy all have target steps to reach from week 1 to week 12. The average step count for most people is somewhere between 2000 and 5000 steps.

For more details on FFIT you can email ffit@sphsu.mrc.ac.uk call 0800 389 2129 or text FFIT to 88802 giving your name, contact details and the name of the SPL club you'd like to attend.