Over 100 beneficiaries of Tottenham Hotspur Foundation’s health and wellbeing programmes came together for a 5k walk on Saturday to celebrate the life-changing work taking place in our local community every day.
The event was inclusive for all, with wheelchair users, cancer patients, visually impaired participants, newborns and elderly residents among the group that trekked round Tottenham Marshes.
It followed on from the annual Tottenham 10k, organised by and in aid of the Engine Room – a church, community centre, café and nursery in Hale Village – at which Foundation staff marshalled the course and Club legend Ossie Ardiles gave out medals to some 300 runners.
Ashley and Martin Burrows
Ashley and Martin have lived in N17 for 40 years. Ashley has benefited from the Foundation’s walking football programme and Martin from its Move4You cancer rehab programme.
Ashley said: “I’m 65 next week and a couple of years ago I wanted to improve my stamina and wellbeing, but I really don’t like gyms.
“I’d never played sport before and it scared me going into something competitive. I’d heard about the walking football, so I went along to Duke’s Aldridge Academy, where it happens on a Tuesday evening, and the coach was very welcoming.
“It’s really deepened my understanding of how the game itself builds friendships, sets people goals and, for some people, it’s been quite life-changing.”
Martin, 77, talked of undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer of his tonsils, before taking part in Move4You.
He said: “It was helpful as the treatment was a major thing to go through. It got me back on my feet and active again, and the exercises were really useful, to the point I still do them now.”
Ashley added that the investment in the local economy brought by the Club is “so important”.
She continued: “Through a scheme for N17 residents, my son worked in hospitality in the old stadium and that got him into a career. He’s now working for Hyatt in Australia, heading up their sports bookings.
“The new stadium’s a huge presence in our community and I see so many people benefiting.
“I’m a big fan of local history and Spurs has been here for so long. I think it’s grown with us and we’ve grown with it, and today’s been a joyous day to celebrate how far we’ve grown together.”
Mike Sahodree
Mike, from Enfield, has been a regular participant in Shape Up with Spurs sessions since he was introduced to the programme more than five years ago.
He arrived for the Foundation 5k having just completed his 120th Parkrun. The events were part of his training for a half-marathon in September, when he will turn 75.
He said: “At the point of being introduced to Shape Up with Spurs, I was in the mindset that I’d done my bit in the running world and would just walk from time to time to keep fit.
“I’d had some problems in my life and was also neglecting my diet. The programme helped me realise I needed to change and inspired me to improve my diet and fitness overall.”
Mike said the social aspect of sessions was important, too. He has invited along many people he knows and added he “couldn’t even count” how many friends he had made.
“I tell them ‘If I can do it, you can do it!’ The Foundation coaches are very good communicators, friendly, welcoming and efficient. Their classes are innovative, with new exercises all the time. I can’t praise them enough.”
Mike is originally from Mauritius. He lived in different parts of the UK before settling locally.
“I’ve engaged with my local football clubs across the country, but Spurs beat them all community-wise because it’s not just Shape Up with Spurs on offer, but also help for people to find jobs, improve their mental health and so much more.”
Chris Mapleston
One of those Mike has introduced to Shape Up with Spurs is Chris, 38, from Haringey.
He said: “The coaches are incredibly friendly, welcoming and encouraging. It’s really fun and diverse, with everyone able to get involved.
“The sessions really give you a full body workout and I stretch parts of my body I wouldn’t do otherwise.
“I’d thoroughly recommend people getting involved, regardless of your team affiliation. It’s a fantastic, free opportunity for all ages.”
Chris explained what it meant, as a Spurs fan, to see the Club, through the Foundation, offering support to the local community.
“It makes me feel really proud. It’s so impressive, with the new Stadium, to see the way they give back to the community.
“I know they do loads of things, not just Shape Up with Spurs, for everyone to get involved with – there seems to be something virtually every day!”
Carlene Moulton
Carlene, from Enfield, has been attending two Shape Up with Spurs sessions a week for the last two to three years, having felt an immediate impact when she first went along.
“When I first started, I had muscle pains. The coaches are good, though, they tailor exercises to your abilities and, with their motivation, I was able to alleviate that pain as time went on.