Plans have been announced for more fun football sessions across Sandwell in 2018 to help people get more active.
This will build on the success of a fun football scheme set up last year in Friar Park, Wednesbury, which is helping local people to get fit and lose weight.
Football Association Just Play schemes will run in each of Sandwell’s six towns and will be set up by the spring.
These will include sessions for lads and dads, men who want to lose weight and women and girls aged 14-plus.
Sandwell Council and the Birmingham FA are working together to identify areas where activities are needed to boost fitness.
Sandwell Council cabinet member Councillor Paul Moore said: "This is a great opportunity for people to have fun and get active.
"I am pleased we will be setting up football sessions in each of our six towns this year.
"People may not have the time, money or interest to be part of affiliated football. With Just Play, they can have fun, improve confidence, boost their fitness and see where it takes them."
Footie for Fitness at Pulse Wednesbury in Friar Park Road started in June last year and has proved very popular with those who want lose weight and get active.
The Friar Park project is supported by community health worker Lauren Cheshire from Sandwell Consortium, weight management development officer Lewis Pountney from Sandwell’s public health team and community activity network development officer Katie Deeley. An Albion Foundation coach runs a football session and boot camp-style fitness and gives advice on weight management.
The idea of Just Play – a national initiative – is to encourage jumpers for goalposts and to play when, wherever and with various formats of the game, including walking football, five-a-side and causal kickabouts.
