Quitting smoking will have a huge impact on your game and you'll immediately become more competitive because your cardiovascular fitness will improve, increasing the amount of time you'll be able to spend on the pitch.

John Barnes
Quotes of the week

John Barnes has joined forces with the NHS to launch Smokefree United, a virtual club which aims to help football fans and players quit smoking.

Along with fellow football legends Ian Wright and Gianfranco Zola, Barnes is lending his support to the campaign which will provide coaching and support for thousands of people who no longer want to smoke.

In addition to quitting advice, footballers and fans who sign up for Smokefree United will receive motivational emails from Wright, as well as the opportunity to win great prizes.

"I got involved because I thought empowering and encouraging people to give up smoking was a fantastic idea," Barnes told socceram.com.

"The NHS recognises that different messages and triggers can motivate people in different ways, and so with community football being so media retentive it's a great way to help people.

"It's not just me that's backing the campaign though; you've also got Ian Wright, the Premier League and Premier League clubs who are all united in encouraging people to give up.

"By going onto the website you can see how to get involved and win prizes. Ian Wright will be sending out messages of encouragement by email once week which in itself is a fantastic prize.

"Some of the other prizes include being able to play a match at a Premier League ground of your choice and being coached by some legends, so those are some of the incentives, but the benefits in terms of your health are self-explanatory."

Research

According to research conducted on behalf of the NHS Stop Smoking Service, 41 per cent of male smokers in England play football with 82 per cent of them concerned about the effect smoking has on their performance.

"I'd urge all football fans and players who have thought about quitting to sign for Smokefree United," added Barnes.

"Quitting smoking will have a huge impact on your game and you'll immediately become more competitive because your cardiovascular fitness will improve, increasing the amount of time you'll be able to spend on the pitch."

Football fans in Portsmouth have taken it a step further and have set up their own smokefree team, which is going from strength to strength.

Smokefree United team member Craig Sadler, 37, said; "Playing football with AFC Smokefree has been a great way to stay off the cigarettes, boost my fitness and get support from the team.

"Prior to the Smokefree campaign I had several unsuccessful attempts at trying to quit smoking, but the support this time has been fantastic and of course everyone on the team is in the same boat.

"I've noticed the difference on and off the field too. My football and fitness levels have improved massively and it's also been easier at home chasing around after three kids!"

For more information on the campaign, or if you would like to sign up to Smokefree United, please visit the website at: www.smokefree.nhs.uk/united