Page 8 - Women's Spccer Scene Issue No.37 2021-22

In a first of its kind, the multi-year-deal sees
M&S Food, the FAW and the Cymru football teams
shining a light on what players eat to help inspire
families to eat healthier this summer and beyond.
By using the influence of Welsh footballing heroes,
the partners aim to not only make healthy eating
choices easier for families but also show that
healthy and balanced doesn’t have to be just quinoa
and kale - it can be fun and delicious!
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.
Cymru Men’s manager Rob Page said: “Through our partnership with M&S Food and Eat
Well we are aiming to help families across the country make healthier eating choices using the
power of football.
“Football participation in Wales is increasing every year and is the most popular sport
across the nation. By using 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 6 th 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.”
The partnership extends beyond the Football Association of Wales and has been made
across all four of the home nations, Scotland, Northern Ireland and England. It builds on
Issue no. 37 - 2 June 2022 news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk