BLACKBURN Rovers and Burnley FC were praised by Prime MInister Tony Blair in a ground-breaking speech.
The PM's public health speech, which was given in Nottingham yesterday, highlighted a scheme run by the football clubs which aims to improve supporters' health.
The Club that Counts Scheme aims to help supporters with obesity, as well as with sexual health and drug problems.
Mr Blair said: "In the Clubs That Count scheme, we work closely with the various professional football associations.
"The aim is to help their supporters tackle obesity, as well as helping with sexual health and drug problems and promote physical activity and healthy eating."
Many other top football and rugby teams, including Everton and Sale Sharks, are also involved in Clubs that Count.
Business in the Community developed the scheme, with support of the Department of Health, through a series of consultations and meetings with a number of clubs, sponsors, football bodies, other government departments, sports' associations and other businesses.
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