The Extra Time Hub

ARGYLE are one of just 12 EFL clubs up and down the country to participate in the League’s ‘Extra Time Hub’ scheme – designed to combat loneliness and inactivity among the retired and semi-retired.

Studies show that 42% of those over the age of 55 are inactive. EFL Trust’s own research revealed many people would like the opportunity to meet peers to feel less isolated, live well and do things they enjoy.

Launched to coincide with Loneliness Awareness Week, the Extra Time Hub will harness the unique assets of the Argyle Community Trust network to bring older people together and provide a range of activities that could benefit their physical and mental health. Activities vary from quizzes to arts and crafts and even bungee jumping!

Funded with the support of Sport England’s Active Ageing fund from the National Lottery, Hubs will initially be created at 12 community organisations across the country, harnessing the power of football in local communities. All 12 Extra Time Hubs will hold launch events at their respective grounds throughout this week.

Director of Operations at EFL Trust, Mike Evans said, “We have a big ambition - to help older people to benefit from a national movement of Extra Time Hubs that will make a positive difference to how thousands can enjoy their later years.

Extra Time Hubs will enable people to decide which activities they want to do and not be prescribed for them - as well as giving people the opportunity to meet like-minded people and feel less isolated.”

Sport England’s Executive Director for Tackling Inactivity, Mike Diaper comments, “Maintaining an active lifestyle as you grow older delivers massive health and social benefits. However, we know that you are more likely to be less active as an older person.

“Often it can feel like the barriers to getting active grow as we age but there are simple changes people can make to get active or stay active and Sport England invests National Lottery funding into projects like the EFL Trust’s Extra Time Hubs to make that happen.”

As well as Argyle, community organisations representing Bolton Wanderers, Burton Albion, Charlton Athletic, Coventry City, Crawley Town, Derby County, Lincoln City, Northampton Town, Shrewsbury Town, Sunderland and Wigan Athletic will participate in the project.

If you are over 55 and would like to get involved in the programme, or want to find out more, visit the Community Trust website or contact josh.grant@pafc.co.uk.