Bid to stop smoking at junior football matches

The aim is to make football matches healthier for everyone

Spectators at youth football matches in Herefordshire are being asked not to smoke while watching games.

Herefordshire Council describes the Smokefree Sidelines initiative as creating "healthier environments for families and children to enjoy sport".

As well as reducing second-hand smoke, the campaign also aims to de-normalise smoking in the eyes of young people.

"This project will help prevent the uptake of smoking and support the health of our younger generation," said the council's public health consultant Harpal Aujla.

Smokefree Sidelines is a joint campaign between the council and the Herefordshire FA, with support from the Herefordshire Junior and Girls' Leagues.

Twenty-one junior football clubs have signed up so far.

The chief executive of the Herefordshire FA, Craig Oakley, said: "The high uptake to the campaign shows the commitment of all involved in Herefordshire football to support the project, educating all in football about the dangers of smoking as well as signposting for those to help quit smoking altogether."

The campaign is being launched with an event at Wessington Juniors FC on Saturday.