Rotherham United today backed the Football League Trust's national initiative to improve the health of communities. 'Building healthier communities', is an umbrella campaign that will focus the health work of the Trust going forward, the project was launched at MK Dons' Stadium Milton Keynes at an event attended by senior politicians and representatives from Football League clubs.

As part of this new initiative the Rotherham United Community Sports Trust has employed its very own Health Officer who was funded through BBC Children in Need for three years.

Alex Wilson (pictured with Ronnie Moore) who started his new role in January said: "I have worked for the Community Sports Trust as a community coach for the last two years but felt it was time to change my focus.

Improving the lifestyles of the people of Rotherham is a project I am honoured to be involved in."

Mike Penning MP, Shadow Health Minister, (Pictured with Pete Winkelman, Chairman of MK Dons - Mark Lancaster, MP Milton Keynes North East - Dale Spiby, Head of Community) who attended the launch of the campaign at MK Dons, said: "The Football League is incredibly successful in its work to improve the health of its local communities. I warmly welcome its commitment to build on that success by launching the 'Building healthier communities' campaign. League clubs are at the heart of their communities and it is fitting that they are using the undoubted power of football to tackle the big social issues of our day."

Rotherham United's Chief Operating Officer Paul Douglas added: "This is another important step in the effort to improve the quality of life for the people of our town. Alex is a bright and dynamic young individual who will take this project forward over the next three years and have some real impact on very important health issues, such as our rising obesity problems and promoting healthy lifestyles."