Free 12-week programme helps men affected by prostate cancer get stronger, fitter and feel more supported.
Prostate Scotland and the SPFL Trust are offering 16 men affected by prostate cancer the chance to take part in a free 12-week health and wellbeing programme, Prostate FFIT (Football Fans in Training), starting Friday 6 February at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock from 10.30am to 12.30pm each week until Friday 15 May.
This is the sixth time the successful Prostate FFIT programme is being offered to men in Ayrshire. Delivered by community coaches from The Killie Community, the charity arm of Kilmarnock FC, each session is split into two halves: group learning and tailored exercise, and is designed to support men during and after prostate cancer treatment.
Prostate FFIT was developed in line with clinical guidelines recommending a structured 12-week exercise programme for men with prostate cancer. It was created by Prostate Scotland in partnership with the SPFL Trust, the University of Glasgow Health and Wellbeing Institute, and The Exercise Clinic, alongside clinicians and men living with the condition.
Sessions include gentle aerobic, strength, balance and flexibility exercises that aim to reduce the side effects of treatment. Participants often report:
• Feeling fitter and less tired
• Increased confidence with exercise
• Making simple but effective changes to diet
• Improvements in BMI and blood pressure
• Needing less pain medication
• Better mental health and a lift in mood
• A strong sense of camaraderie and lasting friendships
The idea is to enable participants to have a better quality of life. The programme teaches simple exercises that can be used at home and gradually built up. Gentle, regular exercise has so many benefits – from helping with daily tasks like standing up more easily, to getting back into gardening or walking. Being fitter can help men prepare for surgery, manage side effects and improve recovery, and it may even reduce the chance of the cancer coming back.
Elaine Stewart, Services Development Manager at Prostate Scotland, said: “We’re told time and again that this programme is life changing. It helps men feel stronger, more connected and more confident while going through treatment, and the camaraderie that builds between participants is a big part of that. You’re surrounded by others who truly understand what you’re going through.
“If you’re wondering whether it’s for you, just come along and try it. You don’t need to be sporty – this is about coming together, supporting one another and finding strength as a group. Everyone is welcome.”
Since 2023, over 220 men have completed the programme at Tynecastle, Ibrox Stadium, Rugby Park, McDiarmid Park, Pittodrie and Gardyne Campus in Dundee.
Dave Wilmot took part in the Killie Prostate FFIT a few years ago and said: “Prostate FFIT really helped me. At the end of the 12 weeks, I was physically and mentally in a much healthier place. Having prostate cancer and receiving treatment for it can be scary. Our group quickly developed a sense of community where we felt safe to share our stories, and the best part was that we were in it together and we weren’t alone.
“I can’t thank the coaches and Prostate Scotland enough. The delivery of the course was professional, lots of fun and physically tough going sometimes, but very worthwhile. Now, I’m fitter, I’m making healthier choices and I have new friends. I would encourage anyone with a diagnosis to sign up and get involved.”
Prostate FFIT is a specially adapted version of the SPFL Trust’s flagship programme Football Fans in Training (FFIT), delivered at football clubs across Scotland to help people get healthier and feel better.
How to take part
Men in Ayrshire interested in joining can register here. Not sure if it’s for you? Check out this short video. If you have any questions before the programme starts, please contact Elaine Stewart at Prostate Scotland: 07816 408429 / info@prostatescotland.org.uk.
If the dates don’t suit, you can still register your interest and Prostate Scotland will keep you updated about future programmes. You can also explore Prostate Scotland’s exercise resources for support. Prostate FFIT is part of the charity’s COMPASS project, supporting men to navigate prostate cancer – find out what other services are available.
Previous Killie cohorts also known as ‘Prostate FFIT players’.
