The Leeds United Foundation hosted a special FIT Fans event at Cross Gates Shopping Centre recently with a guest appearance from Leeds United Women star Catherine Hamill.

Coaches from the club's official charity were on hand to promote FIT LEEDS, which is a programme that was recently launched by the EFL to support football fans with weight management and making positive lifestyle changes.

The defender was joined by Lucas the Kop Cat at the event to help raise awareness around the project, speaking with possible candidates for the programme and helping to take blood pressure tests and offer advice on living a healthy lifestyle.

The initiative is aimed at men and women in the local community aged from 35 to 65 who are currently inactive and would benefit from improving their fitness levels but are struggling due to a number of different reasons, whether that is a lack of opportunities, income or motivation.

The first stage of the programme started recently and will run for 12 weeks with a session held every Tuesday evening at Elland Road, completely free of charge. The Leeds United Foundation are now looking for new people to join the programme, with the second stage of the course set to begin in just a few weeks.

During each two-hour session, participants are able to take part in educational and active workshops, discussing key topics, brainstorming and working on improving their motivation to stay fit.

The programme has been developed by the EFL and Sport England with additional funding from The National Lottery to target deprived areas where there is a large percentage of adults that are overweight and inactive. During the course of the programme the following areas are monitored; blood pressure, weight measurement, lifestyle and physical activity and your mental health.

For more information on the project or if you would like to refer someone please contact Gary.Waddington@leedsunited.com or call 0113 367 6598.