Published on 1 June 2026
Four football clubs across Cheshire and Merseyside are launching an innovative programme designed to support people living with cancer.
At a time when individuals are at their most vulnerable, the Versus Cancer programme will provide physical, mental and emotional support.
Following the success of the programme across Lancashire, Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance (CMCA) has teamed up with the English Football League (EFL) and local hospital trusts to roll out the programme across four football club charities - Crewe Alexandra in the Community, Tranmere Rovers in the Community, Everton in the Community and Chester FC Community Trust.
Versus Cancer offers both free ‘prehabilitation’ and ‘rehabilitation’ sessions to support adults get into the best possible condition when preparing for and recovering from cancer surgery or treatment. This flagship initiative combines tailored exercise, along with hints and tips for leading a healthier lifestyle all in a safe, supportive and welcoming environment. with social and emotional support, helping to improve both physical and mental wellbeing.
Each weekly session combines physical activity with social connection, mental and emotional wellbeing support ensuring a holistic approach to pre-treatment preparation and recovery. Participants enjoy coffee and conversation, giving them an opportunity to connect with others and share experiences in a non-clinical and more relaxing environment.
Versus Cancer stands as a powerful reminder that facing cancer is not only a physical battle, but an emotional one too. By combining expert guidance with genuine human connection, the programme aims to make a lasting difference - helping people not only to cope, but to maximise recovery, to believe, and ultimately, to live well.
Debbie Cook, Director of Community at the EFL, commented: “Versus Cancer is a great example of the National Cancer Plan coming to life and shows the important role that Football Club charities can play in supporting communities.
“A big part of the programme is that it takes place away from a clinical setting - at a Football Club, which is a trusted organisation within the local community and naturally has a very different feel to a hospital. Versus Cancer is more than just exercise; for many, it is a lifeline, reducing isolation by bringing together like-minded individuals who share similar experiences and truly understand what each other is going through.
“We are delighted to be working with CMCA on this project to help people at a time when they need our support most.”
Mr Declan Dunne, Pancreatic Cancer Surgeon and Lead for Prehabilitation at CMCA, said: “Prehabilitation and rehabilitation empower patients to make a positive difference to their cancer journey and should be a key part of their care. I am delighted that we have this partnership with the EFL and local football clubs to bring these benefits to more patients.”
CMCA Managing Director Jon Hayes added: “We are incredibly grateful to the EFL and the individual clubs for opening their facilities to cancer patients. I am sure Versus Cancer will prove to be a very successful partnership and improve the quality of life for people at various stages of their treatment and care.”
Programme delivery is planned to begin this month and will run for 12 months. Patients aged 18 and over will be able to self-refer onto sessions, and oncologists, surgeons, clinical nurse specialists, multi-disciplinary teams, clinical reference groups and Macmillan staff will also have access to all relevant information regarding sessions taking place at local clubs to signpost relevant patients into the programme.