Colchester United

The U's, Ferrero and the EFL Trust recently announced a partnership to deliver a primary schools programme in Essex and Tendring that encourages children to take part in physical activity, while helping them to understand the importance of a balanced diet and an active lifestyle.Over 600 local school children have already been signed up to Colchester United Football in the Community's latest scheme to improve fitness and health.

The +Sport Move and Learn Project is part of Ferrero’s global Kinder + Sport initiative designed to encourage active lifestyles in children across the world and has already reached 15 million children. 

Over 600 have already been signed up by their schools - but the U's Football in the Community Team are looking for even more youngsters to get involved.

Now in its third year, the programme has to date been delivered in 776 schools, with 43,577 children impacted. To build on this success, this year 616 schools and 37,000 children will be reached.

The health of people in Colchester is varied compared with the England average. 

Deprivation is lower than average, however about 16.7% (5,300) children live in poverty. 

Life expectancy for both men and women is similar to the England average however, 6.9 years lower for men and 6.1 years lower for women. 56% of females and 42% of males in Colchester want to do more sport.

29.5% of 10-11 year olds were classified as overweight or obese in the district. This is slightly lower than the Essex and National average (31% and 33% respectively)  (HSCIC data) 

29% of primary students in Colchester have exercised five or more times in the last week.

Over the course of six weeks, children from year 5 classes spend 45 minutes in the classroom learning about the body, nutrition and the importance of exercise, through participating in interactive activities. 

The second half of the 90 minute session is dedicated to playing football, dodgeball or handball, with two weeks spent on each sport. 

Colchester United Football Club first team Goalkeeper Sam Walker will be the Player Ambassador for the project and he said: "I am really excited about being a part of the Move & Learn project and to meet the children that are taking part in the sessions. 

"As a professional football player, I know all about the importance of eating good food to ensure I’m in good shape for a game and I am sure the children will benefit from the activities and lessons that will be put on by our coaches."

A spokesperson from Ferrero said: "We’re thrilled to be bringing the +Sport Move & Learn Project to Colchester United Football in the Community. 

"Since launching Kinder + Sport in the UK two years ago, we have moved over 100,000 children as a result. Active children are more likely to grow into active adults, so we are passionate about inspiring future generations in communities across the UK to get active and live well. 

"The English Football League Trust is the perfect partner; football clubs are at the heart of their communities and engage and inspire people from all generations – and this is exactly what we want to do with Kinder + Sport in the UK."

Mike Evans, Director of Operations at the EFL Trust said: "We’ve been working with Ferrero for three years now and seeing the programme go from strength to strength is incredible. 

"The power of sport and the club badge allows our network of community trusts to deliver key messages, such as tackling obesity, to reach out to the wider community. 

"This investment in helping to get future generations living well is invaluable and we look forward to continuing to work with Ferrero and our own network. It’s a pleasure to welcome Colchester United Football in the Community.to the Kinder + Sport family."