How Hartlepool men can get fit and watch Pools for free

Hartlepool Borough Council has joined forces with Hartlepool United Community Sports Foundation and the EFL Trust to launch Fit Poolie as part of the trust’s national Fit Fans programme.

Free football tickets are also on offer for everyone who completes the course.

The free 12-week initiative is open to men of all ages and will combine classroom sessions on nutrition and lifestyle changes with physical activity.

It gets underway on Monday, January 24, at Hartlepool United FC’s Suit Direct Stadium.

To be eligible, men must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 28+ and have a waist measurement of at least 38 inches.

Hartlepool Borough Council’s director of public health, Craig Blundred, said: “A healthy weight is important at any stage of life.

"Becoming overweight or obese increases our risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, some cancers and serious illness from Covid.

“This initiative aims to help people lose weight and provide them with the support they need to adopt healthier lifestyles in the longer-term.

“We are delighted to be working with Hartlepool United FC which has a tremendous fan base, and the EFL Trust to reach out to local people.”

The initiative will include a walk around Hartlepool United FC’s Suit Direct Stadium and a player appearance.

Everyone who completes the course will receive two free tickets for a Hartlepool United match.

Places on the programme are limited and anyone who is interested in taking part can register at www.efltrust.com/fitfans

*Tickets go on sale on Tuesday, January 18, for Hartlepool United’s trip to London to face Premier League Crystal Palace in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Pools have been allocated up to 4,700 seats for the clash on Saturday, February 5, at 3pm.

They go on sale to season ticket holders from 10am and are available online via the club’s website, by telephoning (01429) 272584 (pressing option 1) or in person from the ticket office.

Current season ticket holders have priority to buy one seat per season ticket up until 7pm on January 20.

Tickets will be released for general sale on January 21 at 10am.

The ticket office opens from 10am-5pm on January 18-19 and from 10am-7pm from January 20-21.

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