YOUNG Brewers from the Youth Development Phase were given a talk on testicular cancer by Burton's Queen's Hospital and Cancer Research UK, in partnership with Burton Albion Community Trust.
Players from the under 13s, 14s, 15s and 16s all attended the talk, which contained information about the disease as well as advice on lifestyle changes and how to for signs of testicular cancer.
James Parsonage, Health and Wellbeing Lead for BACT, said: “I think that within these age groups, they are growing and changing, so it is important to make them aware of signs and symptoms. It is not about checking every day but they have got to know what to look for. If you are happy with yourself, that will translate to being happy on the pitch.”
Players were not the only ones present at the workshop, as coaches and parents were also invited to attend the event at the Pirelli Stadium.
Robbie Weir, a former Brewers player and a current Academy coach, said: I think that it is very important. The awareness of mental and physical health around footballers has gone up, there has been a lot in the spotlight lately.
“I think that it is important for these lads to check their bodies and be aware of what could possible happen. The people who delivered the talk covered everything very clearly and made sure that the players know exactly what they are looking for.”
Young Brewer Luke Zona said: “I think it is very important as it could happen to anyone. There is no way of preventing it, it is not because you are a certain type of person but if you catch it early, you have a better chance of sorting it out.”