EFL Launches Scan to Smile to Beat the January Blues

Fans encouraged to scan QR codes at stadiums to discover uplifting community stories from Football Club charities

The English Football League (EFL) has launched Scan to Smile, a new feelgood initiative rolling out across EFL stadiums in England and Wales this month, designed to spread positivity, beat the January blues, and shine a spotlight on the lifechanging work delivered by Football Club charities.

Posters displayed around EFL stadiums from 23 – 31 January will invite supporters to scan QR codes, alongside codes on-screen during all live EFL games broadcast on Sky Sports. Each scan unlocks a short, uplifting story from a real person whose life has been positively impacted by the support of their local Club charity.

From mental health support and tackling loneliness, to improving physical wellbeing, employability and confidence, Scan to Smile celebrates the powerful role football plays in communities far beyond the pitch.

Examples of stories include:

• Fletch from Walsall shares how attending ‘Beat the Block’ mental health programme has helped him during a time when life was very challenging. He said: I suffered mental health breakdowns. Without the Foundation and Beat the Block football, I don’t think I would be here today. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”
• Stan attends Bristol City Robins Foundation walking football, and after losing his wife he described feeling “an empty void”. Walking football has given Stan, “escapism for an hour to completely forget any little problems that you have.”
• Rob has stage four prostate cancer and attends a cancer rehab programme. Rob says, “Notts County Foundation made a huge difference to my health and fitness and to my outlook on life. It’s been the best thing that’s happened to me in the last year.”

Trevor Birch, Chief Executive at the EFL said:

“Scan to Smile is about harnessing the power of football to lift spirits and share real stories of hope. Behind every Club are people whose lives have been positively changed through the work and dedication of their local EFL Club charity. This initiative gives supporters the chance to see that impact firsthand and reminds us that football truly is a force for good.”