HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is inviting African men living in London to get involved in a football tournament that aims to give men better information on how they can stay healthy this summer.

The Play It Safe tournament, funded by the Anglo American Group Foundation, will see three qualifying rounds take place across the capital, culminating in a grand final on Saturday 4th September. African men can enter a team free of charge, and the winning team in each qualifying round will receive £150 prize money and a Play It Safe trophy to take home. The overall winners will receive £250 and the Play It Safe Champions trophy.

At each event, players will have an opportunity to take a health MOT between matches, with tests offered on site for HIV, TB, blood pressure, and body mass index. Information packs will be available with advice on training and nutrition to help players stay match fit, as well as free condoms.

Marc Thompson, Deputy Head of Health Promotion at THT, said: “We know, for one reason or another, African men can sometimes be reluctant to come forward and access health services. However, with Africans one of the groups most at risk of HIV in the UK, it’s vital we ensure men have the information they need to stay safe and healthy.

“We hope the Play It Safe tournament will encourage men to take control of their sexual health, and to talk more openly about sexual health in their community.”

The first qualifying round in the tournament will take place at Footsie Zim Social Club, Lower Sydenham on Sunday 18th July. For further information on Play It Safe, or to enter a team, please email Taku Mukiwa at takudzwa.mukiwa@tht.org.uk.

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Notes to Editor

1. The Anglo American Group Foundation is a grant giving charity based in London which supports organisations in the key areas of health/ HIV, international development, education, local community and the environment. It is wholly funded by Anglo American and works across countries where the group has operations.
2. Terrence Higgins Trust is the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity with centres across England, Scotland and Wales. We're here to provide information and advice about HIV and sexual health and offer a range of services including sexual health checks, counselling and support groups.  We campaign for a world where people with HIV live healthy lives, free from prejudice and discrimination and we promote good sexual health as a right and reality for all. Terrence Higgins Trust relies on donations to deliver a wide range of services. To make a donation, visit www.tht.org.uk