FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (June 3, 2013) – The New England Revolution and UnitedHealthcare invited soccer fans to participate in fun and educational health and wellness activities Sunday, June 2, at Gillette Stadium before the Revs’ nationally televised match against the LA Galaxy.
Before the game, fans participated in healthy-cooking demonstrations, hosted by Gillette Stadium executive chef Brad Ozerdem, and collected Revs player trading cards and healthy-recipe cards. Revolution and UnitedHealthcare mascots Slyde and Health E. Hound were onsite to interact with the fans during the cooking demonstrations and samplings.
Halftime activities included 4-v-4 soccer matches, hosted by Slyde and Dr. Health E. Hound, and MatchFit! Move, a chance for fans to get up on their feet and move during the last two minutes of each half.
The activities were part of MatchFit!, a new campaign by the New England Revolution and UnitedHealthcare aimed at helping soccer fans learn more about physical fitness and healthy eating, and improve their overall health and well-being. MatchFit! focuses on three components of personal wellness – nutrition, fitness and weight management – encouraging fans to incorporate small, incremental changes into their everyday lives that will enhance their health and quality of life.
MatchFit! launched at the Revolution-LA Galaxy game and will run through the end of August. Each month will focus on a different topic. June will focus on nutrition, July on fitness and August on weight management. MatchFit! includes online, in-stadium and broadcast elements to promote healthier living to Revolution fans. Coupled with health and wellness resources from UnitedHealthcare, the Revolution will reinforce the messaging with custom digital content featuring Revs players, coaches and staff in videos, social media platforms and newsletters.
More information and resources can be found online at www.GetMatchFit.com. There, people can learn tips and facts about health and wellness including how players and Revs staff incorporate healthy choices into their own lives. Fans who engage with MatchFit! content will have the opportunity to win Revolution prizes and be featured in various content throughout the program.
“We’re very enthusiastic about our MatchFit! campaign with UnitedHealthcare,” said Brian Bilello, president of the New England Revolution. “Our No. 1 goal is to encourage our fans and communities to adopt healthier habits around nutritious food and physical fitness in a fun and engaging way. Small changes have big effects on our health, and we’re hoping that we can have an impact on our fans’ well-being. Personally, I’m very excited to incorporate some of the tips UnitedHealthcare is presenting to our fans.”
“UnitedHealthcare is grateful for the opportunity to partner with the New England Revolution and help make a positive impact on our communities’ health and well-being,” said Stephen Farrell, CEO, UnitedHealthcare Employer & Individual of New England. “We encourage soccer fans and their friends and families to learn more about their health and enjoy some great soccer matches.”
