Liverpool is set to launch Smokefree Sidelines in youth rugby at this year’s Magic Weekend (4-5 June 2026), marking a major step forward in creating healthier environments for children and young people across the city’s sports pitches.
Smokefree Sidelines encourages parents, carers and spectators to avoid smoking or vaping around the pitch, helping to create a positive, healthy environment and strong role modelling for children taking part in sport. Children are heavily influenced by what they see around them, and smokefree sidelines help ensure the behaviours they observe are positive and healthy.
The rollout builds on the success of Smokefree Sidelines in youth football across Liverpool, where clubs have already embraced the approach. An independent evaluation found that 99% of parents and coaches supported the initiative, and after it was introduced, reports of people smoking at youth football matches fell from 85% to 61%, while reports of vaping fell from 89% to 71%. The findings showed Smokefree Sidelines is helping to create healthier, more positive environments for young people and recommended expanding the approach into other youth sports.
Former Liverpool FC defender and local advocate Jamie Carragher has backed the initiative: “We want to create a healthy, positive environment for kids. Sport, not just football, should be about young people staying fit and healthy. Smokefree Sidelines in Liverpool is a great initiative, so get behind it.”
“Following its introduction in rugby, the ambition is to expand the initiative across a wide range of youth sports city-wide.”
Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing at Liverpool City Council, said: “We want young players to enjoy the game in the best possible environment. Smokefree Sidelines helps create a positive atmosphere where the focus is on the sport, the team and supporting our young people.”
Professor Matthew Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool City Council, added: “This is about protecting children and promoting healthy environments where they can thrive. We know that smoke free spaces reduce exposure to harmful smoke and help to normalise healthy behaviours.
“Liverpool has already led the way with Smokefree Sidelines in football, and expanding into rugby, and beyond, is an important step in making all youth sport in our city smokefree.”
Ben Hardman, Head of the Foundation at Saints Community Development Foundation, said: “We’re proud to support Smokefree Sidelines at our Mersey Magic Competition and across our community rugby league clubs.
“Rugby league has a unique ability to bring families and communities together, and we all have a role to play in creating positive environments where children can enjoy the game.”
The long-term vision is for all youth sport in Liverpool to take place in smokefree environments, helping to support healthier futures for children and families across the city.
Thinking of quitting smoking?
Free support is available through Smokefree Liverpool, including:
- One-to-one behavioural support
- Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)
- Free e-cigarette starter kits
- Friendly advice tailored to your needs
Visit: www.smokefreeliverpool.co.uk
Call: 0151 374 2535 to speak to an advisor.
