By: The Halifax Courier - July 8th 2011
A FOOTBALLING team of GPs training for a World Cup tournament sought the help of Halifax man and former Manchester Utd youth coach Eric Harrison. He put the British Medical Football Team through their paces at the Salford Sports Village near Manchester.
Twelve teams comprising of medics from across the world compete in the World Cup in Manchester this month and the final is on July 30. The tournament is organised by Dr Arif Kazi, a GP at Station Road Surgery, Sowerby Bridge, who is secretary and team member of the British squad.
“I became involved with coaching the team after chatting with my local GP, Arif Kazi,” said Mr Harrison. “He asked if I would like to give the players some expert coaching tips. I am passionate about promoting a healthy lifestyle through exercise, so I gladly agreed to help out. “The lads are really excited about the tournament and they are doing a fantastic job raising money and awareness about men’s health issues.” Former Manchester Utd player Nicky Butt has also helped with coaching.
Dr Kazi said the main focus of the tournament is to engage the public, particularly men, in healthy lifestyle choices which the GPs have been doing in their own communities as part of their involvement, which also included a year-long fitness programme. The team is also raising funds for its charity, the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.
Following the final at the Manchester Regional Arena Stadium an awards ceremony takes place at the Midland Hotel, Manchester.
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