THE City of Norwich received a healthy boost as Norwich City's Football in the Community Scheme was awarded a cheque for £10,000 to fund a new initiative to provide regular sporting activity for older people.

The presentation took place at the recent Norwich City match againt Preston at Carrow Road on Saturday, November 8. Representatives from Sports Partnership Around Norwich; Re-Energise Project, Harpers - Riverside Swimming Centre and Football in the Community received a cheque from the Football Foundation and Sport Relief, which will enable the scheme to kick off this fantastic new project.

The project that Football in the Community coaching staff will deliver in weekly sessions is called 'Extra Time'. It is part of the nationwide Extra Time initiative that has been conceived and funded by two of the UK's biggest charities - the Football Foundation and Sport Relief.

The Football Foundation and Sport Relief are jointly providing £500,000 towards Extra Time. Earlier this year they invited football club community schemes' to bid for funding towards developing and managing a community that will help the over 60s across England and Wales stay active and healthy. Norwich City's Football in the Community was one of 16 club community teams that were successful in being awarded a grant.

Working with their partners this exciting new project will not just provide a taste of many different sports and physical activities, it will also provide an opportunity for Norwich City fans to reminisce and meet their past Norwich City heroes during the social and refreshment time after each session.

A wide variety of sports and physical activity sessions will be provided to meet different sporting interests including aerobics, basketball, football, hockey, badminton, table tennis, short tennis, tai Chi, yoga and many more. And if none of these activities interested the participants there is always the option of spending an hour in the gym or taking a leisurely swim.

Qualified coaches and instructors will base all the sessions at the Harpers - Riverside Swimming Centre and Wensum Lodge Sports Hall. After the exercise participants will return to Norwich City Football Club for an hour to socialise, meet NCFC Legends and undertake lots more activities.

They will also be organising 10 walks and three outings to visit Arsenal's Emirates Stadium, Chelsea's stadium Stamford Bridge and the national stadium Wembley, throughout the year.

Ian Thornton, Director of FITC said: "We are really pleased to be working with our partners to start this new project. we currently work with so many groups from children and young people aged 2 to 18 years old up to adults. Now we are able to work with and support our older fans, something which we have not been able to do in the past. I am sure they will enjoy the company and stories from some NCFC legends."

Bill Punton, former Norwich City player said: ''What an excellent programme, I look forward to meeting some fans who can remember watching me play! I would encourage as many people as possible to take part."

Paul Thorogood, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation said: "The award to Norwich City's Football in the Community Scheme is excellent news for the community. Sport sessions are a great way for everyone to stay in shape and socialise whatever age you are. I am delighted that the Football Foundation's pioneering partnership with Sport Relief is now extending to this part of Norfolk."

Kevin Cahill, Chief Executive of Comic Relief added: "For a number of years Comic Relief has awarded grants that help older people across the UK get access to the support they need. We know that sport has the power to bring people together and are proud to be part of a programme that will provide a fantastic service for older people, improving their health and fitness as well as strengthening social and community links."

If you are interested in leading a healthier lifestyle, meeting new people and Norwich City Football Club legends please call Football in the Community on 01603 761122 for an application form. The activities start on Wednesday, November 19.

For more information view the FITC website or read the Extra Time leaflet, complete with application form.