Reading City FC has announced a new partnership with weight loss team Reading XL FC.
Reading XL are helping to promote a healthier lifestyle for men who are seeking to lose weight.
Recently, they were invited by Dave Kitson to fly out to Nauru to play a friendly match against their international side and are currently trying to raise money to make that trip happen.
Nicola Evans, Reading City and Berks & Bucks mental health ambassador said: “As the FA Mental Health Ambassador for Reading City FC I am delighted that we will be partnering with Reading XL FC, helping to advance mental health awareness and support within our football community.
“At Reading City FC our aim is to foster an environment where mental health is openly discussed, understood, and prioritised. Mental health challenges can affect anyone, and we believe that a healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body. Football provides an opportunity to support both body and mind, helping players thrive on and off the pitch.
“We look forward to the positive impact this partnership will have and the significant step forward in breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in football.
“We are excited about the opportunities it will bring to enhance the mental health and well-being of everyone involved with both Reading City FC and Reading XL FC.”
Ryan Sheehan, Reading City club inclusion officer said: “I am absolutely thrilled to have Reading XL FC joining our ‘Community Partner Club’ scheme. From what I’ve learnt about the project it is already having a positive impact on the lives of local men as it’s making them fitter and happier whilst making new friendships, new relationships, and new experiences for a lot of people and with our support I hope they’ll be able to reach even more men in Reading and the wider area.
“As a member of the Berkshire & Buckinghamshire Football Association Inclusion Advisory Panel and the Inclusion Officer at Reading City Football Club, I am very passionate about making football well and truly a sport for all and I’m looking forward to supporting this great project and hopefully getting more people who may have previously felt isolated from football involved in the beautiful game.”
Chris Broadhurst, Reading XL FC chairman: “We are immensely proud to partner with Reading City FC as a ‘Community Partner Club’. Reading XL FC is fully committed to promoting physical fitness and mental well-being to the wider Reading community through football, offering a supportive and inclusive environment for men to lose weight and improve their mental health.
“This partnership will allow us to expand our reach and positively impact more lives in the community. Together, we aim to make football accessible to everyone, fostering a sense of belonging and enhancing overall quality of life for our players.
“We are excited to welcome new players to Reading XL FC via this partnership and look forward to working with Reading City FC as our partnership grows.”
