Welcome to Yorkshire
Published on June 11th, 2026
•The excitement is building as the FIFA Men’s World Cup kicks off this week, bringing together football fans from all around the globe. With 104 matches scheduled across Mexico, Canada, and the USA, many fans in York will be tuning in, often late into the night. While the thrill of the game is undeniable, the York Health Trainers are reminding everyone to keep their health in check during this busy football season.
Health Tips for Football Fans
The York Health Trainers have developed a series of quick and simple health tips designed to help residents maintain their well-being while enjoying the matches. Watching football can sometimes lead to unhealthy habits, especially when it comes to snacking and drinking. To counter this, the trainers are encouraging fans to adopt sensible habits that will keep them feeling good throughout the tournament.
Some key tips include:
Stay Hydrated: It's essential to drink plenty of water, especially during late-night matches. Mixing in soft drinks or water between alcoholic beverages can help maintain hydration.
Watch Your Snacking: Late-night games can tempt fans to munch on unhealthy snacks. Opt for healthier options like fruit, nuts, or popcorn instead of crisps and sweets.
Get Enough Rest: If matches are scheduled during the early hours, planning ahead to ensure adequate rest is crucial for staying alert and healthy.
These tips aim to help fans enjoy the excitement of the World Cup without compromising their health and wellness.
Support from Health Trainers
The York Health Trainers are dedicated to helping residents improve their health. They provide support for individuals looking to quit smoking, reduce alcohol intake, eat healthier, and be more active. Their work has positively impacted many lives, including that of Andrew Fenton, who shared his journey of transformation.
Andrew expressed gratitude for the support he received, stating:
“The Health Trainers helped me reset and get my fitness and health back onto an even keel. They gave me goals to set for myself and helped me change habits that I had got into.”
He has successfully lost two and a half stone since working with the trainers, demonstrating that positive change is possible with the right guidance.
Community Engagement and Resources
Residents are encouraged to engage with the York Health Trainers' resources, which will be available on social media and their YouTube channel throughout the tournament. These platforms will feature videos with health tips that can be easily followed, making it convenient for fans to stay healthy while enjoying the matches.
Cllr Lucy Steels-Walshaw, Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care at City of York Council, emphasised the importance of balancing enjoyment with health:
“We want everyone to enjoy the excitement of the World Cup, but it’s important that it doesn’t come at the cost of your health.”
Peter Roderick, Director of Public Health at City of York Council, added:
“We hope residents and the many visitors coming into our city over the next few weeks will enjoy themselves during the tournament and will remember to take care of themselves and their health too.”
Accessing Health Support
For those interested in making healthier lifestyle choices, York Health Trainers offer free health advice and support. Residents can visit their website, call, or text for assistance. Appointments are available across various venues in the city, including leisure centres and GP practices, making it accessible for everyone.
In addition to the support available, the trainers encourage fans to think ahead when planning their match-viewing experiences. Scott Kay, one of the health trainers, advised fans to look at the tournament fixture schedule in advance. He suggested deciding which matches to have a drink during and which to skip, allowing for a more mindful approach to celebrating the matches.
As the World Cup unfolds, it presents a fantastic opportunity for fans to come together and enjoy the spirit of the game. By following the health tips provided by the York Health Trainers, everyone can cheer on their teams while prioritising their health and well-being. With a little planning and support, it is possible to enjoy the thrill of football and feel great doing it!
Yorkshire Team
The Yorkshire.com editorial team is made up of local writers, content creators, and tourism specialists who are passionate about showcasing the very best of God’s Own Country. With deep roots in Yorkshire’s communities, culture, food scene, landscapes, and visitor economy, the team works closely with local businesses, venues, and organisations to bring readers the latest news, events, travel inspiration, and insider guides from across the region. From hidden gems to headline festivals, Yorkshire.com is dedicated to celebrating everything that makes Yorkshire such a special place to live, work, and visit.
View all articles →