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England Legend Jill Scott Backs Grassroots Nutrition Drive in Manchester
- Hinton Magazine
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
England football icon Jill Scott has visited a community club in Greater Manchester as part of a new initiative aimed at improving nutrition education in grassroots football.
Working alongside Marks & Spencer Food, Scott surprised players and volunteers at Reddish North End FC in Stockport, joining coaches in the kitchen and on the pitch to promote healthier eating habits for young players.
The visit forms part of the “Eat Well Play Well Grassroots Edition” campaign, which seeks to bring elite level nutritional knowledge into community football. New research shows that nearly one in three grassroots coaches feel they lack the confidence or training to offer proper nutritional advice to players.
From Grassroots to the International Stage
Scott, who began her own career in grassroots football, said the project holds personal significance.
“Grassroots football was a massive part of my life. If we can help children at grassroots level, we can help them to become better players,” she said.
She also highlighted the influence of England manager Sarina Wiegman on improving standards at the top of the women’s game.
“When I made my debut in 2006, nutritional advice was very basic. Later on, the guidance we received about what we should and shouldn’t eat is what helped me extend my career,” Scott explained.
Cooking, Coaching and Leading by Example
During her visit, Scott worked alongside M&S Executive Chef Russell Goad and club volunteers to prepare nutritious meals for players. She also refereed a match, posed for photos and spoke to young footballers about the role of balanced diets in performance, recovery and wellbeing.
The session demonstrated that sporting success begins away from the pitch, with everyday food choices playing a key role in long term development.
Community at the Heart of the Club
Reddish North End FC Chairman John Hargreaves welcomed the initiative.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the support we receive from the Reddish community. The help from M&S, from kit sponsorship to food vouchers, has been absolutely fantastic and will help the club for many years to come,” he said.
Club cook Bethany Dugdale added that the club plays a vital role locally.
“These facilities have helped children get into football for 20 years. Reddish is one community and we’re there for each other. The club is a big part of that,” she said.
Bridging the Nutrition Knowledge Gap
As part of the campaign, M&S Food is developing practical and affordable recipe guides for grassroots clubs, helping volunteers introduce healthier meal options on a weekly basis. These resources are available to download via the M&S website.
A nationwide survey of more than 200 coaches found that only around 15 percent currently feel confident giving nutritional guidance, highlighting the need for structured support.
A Wider Impact on Health and Society
According to The Football Association’s Social Return on Investment Report 2024, grassroots football contributes £15.9 billion to society each year, including major healthcare savings linked to improved physical and mental wellbeing.
Children who play football are estimated to generate more than £110 million in NHS savings through reduced obesity and lower rates of anxiety and depression.
Looking Ahead
The Eat Well Play Well Grassroots Edition campaign will continue rolling out across the UK in the coming months, with featured clubs sharing their stories on M&S social platforms including YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.
By combining elite level insight with local community action, the initiative aims to ensure that young footballers across the country are better fuelled to grow, compete and thrive.
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