Stevie Kirk

[rightdodgyman]

Stevie Kirk: I'm using my second chance to help football fans live healthy life

 

Feb 27 2011 - Gordon Parks, Sunday Mail

 

STEVIE KIRK admits he's using his second chance at life helping beer-bellied football fans get back in shape.

 

The Motherwell head of coaching is continuing his recovery from a heart attack suffered last September by reaching out to the local community as part of a range of SPL initiatives.

 

There are 182 community projects in operation across areas of health, education, employment and social inclusion with over 23,600 individuals taking part in projects each week.

 

Kirk said: "We are doing a programme just now called Football Fans in Training. It's the second course we've run and it's an SPL initiative.

 

"The criteria to join is simple. You must be overweight for a start, it's aimed at men aged between 35 and 65 and their waistband must be above 36 or the circumference of their belly must be 100 centimetres.

 

"They need to have a body mass index of over 27 which is classed as obese.

 

"We do physical work with them and focus on healthy eating over a 13-week period. This is what the community needs, clubs have taken offthe bl inkers by getting these people involved and the difference in them is scary.

 

"At the end of the course you can see the clothes hanging offsome of them."

 

The Fir Park legend is using the scheme as an inspiration after being struck down with a heart problem six months ago. He said: "The course started last September on the week I left for Florida and I remember telling them I would be coming back from holiday to get involved.

 

"But the well wishes I've received from that group of guys after my illness have been incredible."

 

Kirk wil l v isit a heart specialist tomorrow as he looks to get the all-clear and admits his close call was a result of a lifestyle that has become a trademark of Scottish culture.

 

He said: "I'm back to work, nearing full health and have an appointment with the cardiologist on Monday that will include a fitness test.

 

"Football is a tonic for me and to start with I wasn't allowed to go over the top as I had two stents fitted into my arteries but I'm feeling great.

 

"I've changed my outlook on life, my eating and drinking habits, and it's given me a right shake and wake-up call.

 

"When I'm work ing in schools I speak to the kids about the dangers of high cholesterol, which was the problem that hit me, so my message is about doing and eating the right things.

 

"I'm not bible-thumping but people need to be aware of the damage they could be doing to themselves.

 

"When I played in the 70s and 80s the culture was play the game, get to the pub and have a drink, train, drink then play again.

 

"It 's just a Scottish mentality and the way people live their lives.

 

"But football has changed so much for the better."