With England still going strong in the World Cup, the People’s Movement, Sheffield’s physical activity campaign, and the Sheffield and Hallamshire County FA, have teamed up to encourage people to take advantage of local parks, leisure facilities and green spaces, and play the beautiful game themselves.

A recent study by the Mental Health Foundation found that 34% of people would be encouraged to play more football while the World Cup is on. That’s why the partnership is urging any budding Wayne Rooney’s to pull on their boots and take advantage of the many opportunities in the city to get involved in football, whether playing, coaching or refereeing matches.

The Sheffield and Hallamshire County FA administers and develops football across the South Yorkshire region and surrounding area, and was the first County Football Association, formed in 1867. They offer opportunities for anyone to get involved in the game, regardless of sex, age, race or religion. In 2003/2004, the Sheffield and Hallamshire County FA were awarded the title of ‘best girls and women’s football development programme’ in England.

The People’s Movement campaign encourages people to increase their activity levels, through sport, and simple activities that can be slotted into everyday lives. Paul Billington, spokesperson for the People’s Movement, said: “The message we want to give people is that following football is great, especially when the national side are doing so well. But actually getting out there and playing yourself is even better, no matter what level you are at. From playing in a league game to a simple kick-about with friends, you’ll experience a range of health benefits that will make you feel better.”

Supporting a football team can also affect your mental wellbeing. According to mental health charity MIND, following a team can increase a sense of community amongst supporters, and levels of serotonin, the chemical that makes us feel good, can actually increase when your team scores a goal or wins a match.

There are even simple activities that anyone can do while watching the football, to stave off the effects of too many pizzas and pints of beer in the pub. Some, such as jumping up and down for a few minutes when your team scores, come naturally to many fans!

Dr Rupert Suckling, of the People’s Movement, offers his top World Cup Activity and Wellbeing Tips:

• If you are going to the pub or a friend’s house to watch the match, walk there, rather than taking a taxi or getting a lift
• Celebrate your teams goals and victories – don’t just clap, if there’s room, jump up and down on the spot
• If you are watching a match in a pub, have something to eat before you go. That way you are less likely go for bar snacks
• Let the World Cup inspire you – get out there and show off your skills. Not only that, but around 40% of a game is spent running around the pitch – a great cardiovascular exercise that is good for the heart.
• Have fun – the main bonus of football as a way of keeping healthy is that it is a fun, sociable activity. Even the England players share a laugh and a joke before, during and after a match.

For more information on getting involved with football locally, please visit the Sheffield and Hallamshire County FA at www.sheffieldfa.com.