If you are a man aged over 50 and looking to get more actively involved in your community through activities Sporting Chance is for you!
There is something for everyone from walking football to arm chair exercise, Aquasize to reminiscence sessions, cycling, gym, outings, table tennis and healthy cookery to name but a few. Our sessions are welcoming and friendly and always end up with a cup of tea and a chat!
The Stockton on Tees expansion initially came about thanks to funding from NHS Hartlepool and Stockton Clinical Commissioning Group – CCG for a one year pilot, with further funding from Public Health Stockton from 2019 to 2021, while the Sheffield expansion came about following funding from the People’s Postcode Lottery and their players.
Our Rhondda Cynon Taf project works in partnership with our project Welcome Friends, and runs as part of the BeActive consortium in RCT.
We are always open for creating new Sporting Chance projects as we know the benefits work for men throughout the country
Sporting Chance welcomes men aged 50+ regardless of their age or 
fitness level. Some of our participants were lonely and isolated, others at a loose end and bored after bereavement or retirement, collectively all of them were looking for ‘something to do’. Men can simply come in to a session and see what’s on offer or, if they have health concerns, they can access Sporting Chance through the G.P. referral system at their local surgery. We are already making a difference; participants report weight loss, reduced medication, improved mood, improved mobility or an overall increased sense of wellbeing. Nearly all participants report increased socialisation opportunities; they ‘get out more; and have’ lots of new mates’.
It is easy to get involved; prospective attendees can give us a call or drop us an email and come along and see what we do. If new participants are feeling unsure we have a great band of volunteers who are always welcoming to new men on the project. Some of our participants attend one session a week, others four or five!
Taking the first step is the hardest bit. Once you’re in, you are ‘one of the lads’. Come along and see!
We are always interested in creating new Sporting Chance projects, so if you want to find out more about setting one up please email our project developer:Tony.Rich@volunteeringmatters.org.uk
*All photos courtesy of Ageing Better Middlesbrough