The Scottish FA and M&S Food have today announced a new partnership that will use the power of football to help families make healthier eating choices as part of M&S Food’s “Eat Well, Play Well” campaign.
In a first of its kind partnership, the multi-year-deal sees M&S Food, the Scottish FA and the Scotland National Teams shining a light on what players eat to help inspire families to eat healthier this summer and beyond.
By using the influence of Scottish footballing heroes, the partners aim to not only make healthier eating choices easier for families but also show that healthy and balanced food can be fun and tasty.
This timely partnership comes as health is high on the nation’s agenda, with 59 percent of Scottish people concerned about family health while 36 percent** share concerns on getting nutritious food into their diets.
The partnership is packed with initiatives – from in-store exclusives where budding sports stars can find out their favourite players’ recipes and eating plans, to unprecedented online insight on players, managers and legends sharing their favourite Eat Well products.
Scotland Men’s Head Coach Steve Clarke: “Through our partnership with M&S Food and Eat Well we are aiming to help families across the country make healthier eating choices by using the power of football.
“What our players eat is essential to performance and we’re thrilled that we can use our national teams to tell such an important message to future generations – and maybe inspire Scotland internationalists of the future.”
Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon added: “I honestly believe that looking after my body and making sure I eat healthily – everything in moderation – has been instrumental in prolonging my career.
“As a father myself it’s great to see M&S and the Scottish FA putting such an importance on the health of future generations and I am proud to play my part.”
Stuart Machin, CEO of M&S: “Today I’ll be writing to all our customers about this partnership and our aim to make a real difference to health and inspire the next generation.
“By harnessing the influence of the players as role models, we want to encourage children and families to make healthier food choices through choosing Eat Well.
“We have over 1800 delicious Eat Well products across our Food Hall, from great quality fruit and vegetables to meals, snack and drinks, all at trusted value. We’re constantly developing and improving our ranges, to give our customers delicious, healthier choices every day.”
Shona Lawrie, M&S Regional Manager Scotland North: “Our work with the Scottish FA is much more than a sponsorship, we want to help change the health of the nation and the first step is to further increase the number of products with the Eat Well flower and make it easier for customers to spot them.
“Shoppers in Scotland will be able to pick up specific Scottish team recipe cards in store so they can replicate their favourite player meals at home – whether that is breakfast, lunch or dinner. Budding stars can even find out what Eat Well products the national players consume at training camps.”