FOOTBALL fans are being urged to get involved with the Darlington South Park parkrun this Saturday morning, and in so doing improve the health of the community.

Last month, Darlington FC launched the Darlington Football Club Foundation and now organisers are urging Quakers fans to either take part or help out at the 5km run.

The organisers of the South Park parkrun have agreed to step aside on Saturday to allow a ‘take-over’ by the Darlington Football Club Foundation. There will be a pre-run address by Foundation chairman Steve Rose at 8.45am.

The aim of the Foundation is to improve the lives of people in Darlington and surrounding areas, especially their health, and by promoting positive activity and lifestyles through education and engagement of young people and their families for the benefit of the whole community.

The Foundation will be working closely with Darlington FC to deliver its objectives and bosses at the club view this as a key step forward towards one of their main goals, which is to cement their place at the heart of the community as a focal point for the local area, its people and families.

Steve Rose, chair of trustees at Darlington Football Club Foundation, said: The event on Saturday is an opportunity for Darlo fans who are lapsed parkrunners to get back involved. It is also an opportunity for those who have been thinking about improving their physical fitness but just need that final push into action.

"All Darlo supporters, either volunteering or taking part in the run on September 14, are encouraged to wear their Darlo tops, hats, scarves or whatever they fancy.

"The success of the Foundation’s involvement in this event will be measured by the number of first-timers that take part on September 14 and then return for future runs.

"I’ll look forward to seeing as many Darlo fans as possible bedecked in black and white at South Park at 9am on Saturday. If you have any other ideas for the Foundation please get in touch."