Queens Park Rangers used their recent home tie against Preston North End to raise awareness for the 'Is Alcohol Affecting Your Game?' campaign.

The initiative, in conjunction with the Hammersmith & Fulham Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT), is the start of an ongoing link between QPR in the Community Trust and the local council.

It aims to raise awareness, through football, of the effects of alcohol on general health and well-being as well as matchday experiences and physical performance.

"Those at highest risk of being admitted to hospital with alcohol related health problems are men over the age of 35," said Andy Evans, Chief Executive of QPR in the Community Trust.

"Football brings together a lot of people from this target audience. The aim is to get supporters to see that sensible drinking is the best way to enjoy alcohol and a football match."

The campaign kicks-off a week of activities as part of National Alcohol Awareness Week and during the build up to the game against Preston a film made by members of the Rangers squad was shown in which they explained their reasons for abstaining from alcohol.

The matchday programme also highlighted the dangers of excessive exposure to alcohol, how it affects long-term health and the impact drink can have on physical activity as well as providing important links to alcohol advice centres.

"Most people like a drink, but some take it too far," added Cllr Greg Smith, Cabinet Member for Crime and Street Scene.

"This campaign is about pointing out the serious issues that causes both for other people and yourself."

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