CHSS will work closely with the Scottish FA to expand its women’s recreational football programme across the country

Health charity Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS) announced a four-year partnership with the Scottish FA to support improved health outcomes for women across Scotland. 

A launch took place at Hampden Park with representatives of Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland and the Scottish FA in attendance. 

The partnership will see CHSS work closely with the Scottish FA to expand its women’s recreational football programme across the country, with the aim of attracting 25,000 women to the game and improving health outcomes for women in Scotland.   

This supports the charity’s Women’s Health Action Plan aims, which include expanding its physical activity programme to incorporate women’s fitness groups and improving access for women to health information and advice on chest, heart and stroke conditions. 

Ischaemic heart disease is the leading cause of death of women in Scotland according to the Scottish Government’s Women’s Health Plan, with almost one in 10 deaths in women in Scotland each year caused by the condition. The plan also states that death from stroke is more common for women than men. 

Speaking at the launch, CHSS chief executive, Jane-Claire Judson, said: “Partnering with the Scottish FA is a fantastic opportunity for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland not only to raise awareness at a regional and national level of the support we provide, but also to encourage participation by women at a local level in the Scottish FA’s recreational women’s football programme.  

“This partnership will enable CHSS to promote women's health and the impact of physical activity on preventing the conditions we support, demonstrating the power of football to inspire change and support people to live healthier lives.” 

Ian Maxwell, chief executive of the Scottish FA, added: “We are delighted to partner with Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland. It’s vital that we continue to use the power of football to raise awareness and improve lives across the country. We believe that this partnership allows us to continue to do that. 

“We hope that through our work with CHSS, we can not only get more women involved in the game but we can also reinforce the importance of a healthy lifestyle to help tackle the prevalence of the conditions supported by CHSS.”