The Hive Foundation’s story of overcoming adversity is helping football fans smile this January.
Helen, a regular at Barnet Walking Football says the project “has actually changed my life.”
Helen’s journey is being shared as part of Scan to Smile, a new EFL initiative designed to lift spirits during the January blues and shine a spotlight on the life-changing work delivered by football club charities.
Barnet Walking Football offers regular sessions during the week to help with physical and mental wellbeing. The initiative celebrated it’s 10-year anniversary last year and continues to provide a positive impact on the local community.
“I’ve got regular activity now and I also took the referee course and past the test. I’m involved in a lot of charity work which also involved dementia, so now I feel more positive. There’s activity in my life and I’ve made loads of new friends.”
Posters displayed around EFL stadiums up until the 31st January will invite supporters to scan QR codes, alongside codes on-screen during all live EFL games broadcast on Sky Sports. Fans can scan these to unlock uplifting stories like Helen’s, showing how football changes lives far beyond the pitch.
Our players will be warming-up in Scan to Smile t-shirts before tomorrow’s Sky Bet League Two meeting with Tranmere Rovers, which will have scannable QR codes on the back of them.
Trevor Birch, Chief Executive at the EFL said: “Scan to Smile is about harnessing the power of football to lift spirits and share real stories of hope. Behind every Club are people whose lives have been positively changed through the work and dedication of their local EFL Club charity. This initiative gives supporters the chance to see that impact firsthand and reminds us that football truly is a force for good.”
Find out more about Barnet Walking Football Club by clicking here.
COYB