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Thursday, August 28, 2008, 15:30
But throw in a few games of competitive football to make the session a bit more interesting and you could score a real winner.
Dozens of lads between the ages of 13 and 18 signed up for Derby's Play Safe football session yesterday – dubbed by organisers as a tournament with a twist.
The event mixed a series of football matches with health workshops in between.
"It was brilliant," said organiser Sean Woolley of Derby City Council's children and young people's service.
"They had a great time playing football and at the same time they learned how to look after themselves better.
"The combination worked really well."
Eight teams of seven players signed up for the session at Willow Sports Centre, in Willow Row, Derby.
They received advice on stopping smoking, increasing their physical activity, healthy eating, safe sex and using sun-screen.
They were also able to talk to an adviser from Fresh Start – Derby's stop-smoking service – and undergo a free and confidential test for chlamydia, a sexually transmitted infection.
Eighteen-year-old Luke Smith, of Uttoxeter New Road, Derby, was keen to take part in the football tournament and found out about the event from his local sports group.
"It's was brilliant," he said. "I really enjoyed it. I found out some useful advice too. It was really good. We played well and ended up being presented with a medal at the end of the day."
Sam Morley, of Stockbrook Street, also enjoyed the event.
"It was interesting. I liked the fact that it was a mix between football and health stuff. It was fun and there were quizzes to do."
Project workers Neil Brown and Chris Morris spent the last couple of months organising the event. They came up with the idea of combining football with health information.
"Young men need to access this kind of information," said Neil. "But how do you encourage them to turn up to an event?
"We thought if we created a football tournament and at the same time offered the lads the chance to receive health information, we might get a better turnout."
The event was supported by Derby Teenage Pregnancy Partnership.
Sheila McFarlane, commissioner for teenage pregnancy in Derby, said: "Young men can often feel uncomfortable discussing their health.
"Events such as this are a great way to informally talk to them about their health and how they can ensure that they make informed choices about their general and sexual health."
TEAM TALK: Left, youngsters enjoy a game of football during the Play Safe information event. Above, Youth worker Martin Dale with some of the participants.
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