Basford United lauch initiative to promote exercise

Basford United are launching their very own “Active February” initiative aimed at promoting exercise to raise mental health awareness during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Greenwich Avenue, home of Basford United who have set up their own charitable incentive to help raise awareness of mental health well-being throughout the Coronavirus pandemic (pic credit: Facebook/Basford United Football Club)Greenwich Avenue, home of Basford United who have set up their own charitable incentive to help raise awareness of mental health well-being throughout the Coronavirus pandemic (pic credit: Facebook/Basford United Football Club)
Greenwich Avenue, home of Basford United who have set up their own charitable incentive to help raise awareness of mental health well-being throughout the Coronavirus pandemic (pic credit: Facebook/Basford United Football Club)

United’s Community set-up – which has 500 active members and has been hit hard on several fronts throughout the crisis – are looking for interested members of the public to take part in the scheme and promote exercise and mental well-being throughout this month.

Spearheaded by Chairman and owner Chris Munroe, he said: “We have seen some fabulous initiatives so far across the country, including WalkingIsBrilliant, launched by former Nottingham Forest goalkeeper, Mark Crossley, among many more.

“With Mental health proven to be improved through exercise, I am delighted to promote this scheme for Basford Community Football Club and anyone of any age is encouraged to take part in all available activities.

“Whilst we are restricted where we can exercise and the duration, our city and county have vast parks and areas of interest.

“Obviously social distancing at this time is crucial, as is staying locally and restricting the exercise to one hour, but I feel what we have planned is possible and will have massive benefits to society at this horrendous time.”

“As a business, not only has the Community Football Club not had any income for six of the last nine months, but our Junior, Youth and Academy have also been effected,” Munroe added.

“Senior and veteran players, as well as staff, volunteers and external off-site clubs, such as Notts County Girls and Women are missing out on crucial exercise.

“With over 750 site users per week, in addition to the vast amount users for dog walking or exercise from members of the local public, this really is a challenging period for all concerned.

“As a lot of emphasis is placed on mental health at this time, and with it showing to be on the increase in youngsters, the club seeks to raise awareness and get as many of our Community followers and ground users to embrace and help publicise this idea.

“A non-profit organisation, separate to Basford United FC Ltd., the Community Football Club are still incurring several fixed costs with no financial reserves available and are seeking to raise £10,000, with a donation of 50% going to charity, Mind.”

The Northern Premier League club have confirmed that any donations can be made via their JustGiving crowdfunding page, found by visiting: - https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/basfordcommunityfootballclubcic?utm_id=1&utm_term=bwnDzr352