Exploring the provision and motives behind the adoption of health-promotion programmes in professional football clubs across four European countries

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259458
• Publication Date: 2021-11-19T18:25:36Z
• Authors: Øystein B. Røynesdal; Femke van Nassau; Nai Rui Chng; Hugo Pereira; Eivind Andersen; Christopher Bunn; Judith G. M. Jelsma; Maria W. G. Nijhu...; Glyn C. Roberts; Marit Sørensen; Irene van de Glind; Theo van Actherberg; Cindy M. Gray
• Keywords: Promotion (chess); Underpinning

This study mapped existing health-promotion provisions targeting adults in professional football clubs across England, the Netherlands, Norway, and Portugal, explored motives behind clubs’ adoption of European Fans Training (EuroFIT) programme. We surveyed top-tier four countries interviewed representatives from charitable foundation who delivered EuroFIT. The findings showed large between-country differences, with England reporting far greater healthy lifestyle provision than other countries. Relatively few programmes targeted adults, particularly Norway. Club reported that for adopting EuroFIT programme often involved adhering to both social objectives club or club’s business-related objectives. They viewed scientific evidence evaluation underpinning as helpful demonstrating value potential future impact wider corporate responsibility provision.