North East football clubs unite behind Versus Cancer programme

The scheme, Versus Cancer, is being delivered through the clubs’ charities and will offer free weekly prehabilitation and rehabilitation sessions for adults preparing for or recovering from cancer treatment or surgery.

Under the scheme, Middlesbrough, Sunderland, Newcastle, and Carlisle football club charities will deliver tailored support designed to help patients improve their physical and mental wellbeing during an often challenging time.

Debbie Cook, director of community at the English Football League (EFL), said: “Versus Cancer is a great example of the National Cancer Plan coming to life and shows the important role that football club charities can play in supporting.

“A big part of the programme is that it takes place away from a clinical setting – at a football club, which is a trusted organisation within the local community and naturally has a very different feel to a hospital.”

The year-long programme will be delivered in partnership with the EFL and eight hospital trusts across the North East and North Cumbria.

Sessions will be held at club venues to offer a more relaxed and supportive environment than traditional clinical settings.

The format will include tailored exercise plans as well as social and emotional support, practical advice for healthier living, and the chance to connect with others facing similar experiences.

Ms Cook said: “Versus Cancer is more than just exercise; for many, it is a lifeline, reducing isolation by bringing together like-minded individuals who share similar experiences and truly understand what each other is going through.

“We are delighted to be working with the Northern Cancer Alliance on this project to help people at a time when they need our support most.”

The launch follows the programme’s success in Lancashire and comes as World Cup fever grips the nation.

Clare Doney, clinical lead for living with and beyond cancer at the Northern Cancer Alliance, highlighted the deep community roots of the participating clubs.

Ms Doney said: “We love our football here in the North East and North Cumbria and we are delighted to be supporting the EFL in this initiative.

“These clubs are at the heart of their communities and are ideally placed to deliver this blend of physical, mental, and emotional support which can bring so many benefits to people before, during, and after cancer treatment and surgery.”

Ms Doney said: “Versus Cancer helps realise the ambitions of the National Cancer Plan by providing care closer to people’s homes, broadening access to prehabilitation and rehabilitation and working more closely with community partners.”

Ms Doney said: “It also stands as a powerful reminder that facing cancer is not only a physical battle, but an emotional one too.

“By combining expert guidance with genuine human connection, the programme aims to make a lasting difference, and we are excited to see it launch.”

The scheme will begin this summer and is open to patients aged 18 and over.

Patients are encouraged to speak to their hospital cancer teams to find out how to access sessions and can choose which club’s programme they would like to attend.

Versus Cancer reflects a growing movement to deliver health care and support in more community-based, familiar settings.