Bristol and South Gloucestershire will get a healthy boost as Bristol Rovers Football in the Community will be awarded funding for a new initiative that provides regular sport activity for older people and people with dementia.

It is part of the nation-wide Extra Time initiative that has been conceived and funded by two of the UK's biggest charities - the Football Foundation and Sport Relief.

The Football Foundation and Sport Relief are jointly providing £500,000 towards Extra Time. Earlier this year they invited football club community schemes' to bid for funding towards developing and managing a community that will help the over-60s across England and Wales stay active and healthy. Bristol Rovers were one of 20 clubs' community teams that have been successful in being awarded a grant.

By working in partnership with South Gloucestershire Council and The Alzheimer's Society, Bristol Rovers' project is looking to engage people aged over 60 and people with dementia in weekly physical and social activities in Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

Rovers intend to offer a variety of mentally, physically and socially stimulating activities that will look to enhance people's agility, balance and coordination, as well as muscle strength and mobility.

Peter Aitken, Community Officer said: "We think it is another step forward for us as a Community Department as it offers an opportunity to work in a new field and we look on it as a very positive venture.
This project will help us develop and understand the needs of a completely different age group to which we have worked with before, and I hope in due course that this will be a benefit for the wider community and for Bristol Rovers as a Football Club.

"This programme also shows the breadth of work we can become involved in, not only with young people but also people of a certain age in our local community."

Paul Thorogood, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation said: "The award to Bristol Rovers is excellent news for the community. Sport sessions are a great way for everyone to stay in shape and socialise whatever age you are. I am delighted that the Football Foundation's pioneering partnership with Sport Relief is now extending to Bristol and South Gloucestershire."

Kevin Cahill, Chief Executive, Comic Relief added: "For a number of years Comic Relief has awarded grants that help older people across the UK get access to the support they need. We know that Sport has the power to bring people together and are proud to be part of a programme that will provide a fantastic service for older people, improving their health and fitness as well as strengthening social and community links."