The Football Association of Wales and its Cymru Teams are delighted to partner with M&S Food to utilise the power of football to help families make healthier eating choices via the ‘Eat Well, Play Well’ campaign.
The multi-year-deal will see M&S Food and the FAW shine a light on the eating habits of Wales’ much-loved footballing heroes, linking how nutrition affects player’s performance, whilst promoting and inspiring positive healthy eating messages for children in a way that’s engaging, relatable and drives change.
This timely partnership comes as health is high on the nation’s agenda, with 46% of Welsh people concerned about family health. 33%* share concerns on getting nutritious food into their diets – so this focus on M&S and its Eat Well seal of approval comes just at the right time.
The partnership is packed with brand new initiatives – from in store exclusives where budding Cymru 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.
So, fans of all ages can now truly eat like their football heroes no matter their age or footballing ability. Whether it’s pre- or post-match, or just a quick snack before heading off to watch their local team play.
Commenting on the first of its kind partnership, Cymru Men’s manager Rob Page said: “Football participation in Wales is increasing every year and is the most popular sport across the nation. By utilising our Cymru stars to inspire families and future generations to eat more healthily we are helping to improve the health and nutrition of the nation which is such a powerful thing for us as a team and organisation.”
Gemma Grainger, Cymru Women’s Manager added: “Our players are great role models to young girls and boys across Wales and we are proud of how they utilise their platform to promote a healthy and active lifestyle to families.
“We’ve seen a significant growth in our attendances over the last twelve months and it’s great to see so many families cheering us on in the stands! We hope they’ll be getting behind us against Slovenia in Cardiff on the 6th of September in our final WCQ group game.”
Stuart Machin, CEO of M&S, is equally passionate about the partnership and health, and making healthier choices more accessible, is of upmost importance in the retailer’s strategy going forward. He says: “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 nearly 2000 delicious Eat Well products across our Food Hall, and online through Ocado, 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”
Allison Jenkins, Regional Manager, South Wales, M&S, adds: “Our work with the FAW 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 Wales will be able to pick up specific Cymru 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 Cymru consume at training camps.”
*M&S Family Matters Survey June 2022
Learn more about the #EatWellPlayWell campaign at: www.marksandspencer.com/eatwell
