Men who have completed treatment for prostate cancer are being invited to join a new football-based exercise programme at South East Technological University (SETU), offering an opportunity to get active, build confidence and enjoy the camaraderie of being part of a team.
Men United: FC Prostate Comes to Ireland is being introduced at SETU Arena in Waterford, supported by €32,000 in seed funding from the Irish Cancer Society. The initiative builds on an internationally established programme and aims to explore how football-based exercise can support men's physical and psychological wellbeing and social connections following cancer treatment.
Crucially, participants do not need any previous football experience or particular level of fitness. Sessions are adapted to participants' abilities, with an emphasis on enjoyment, participation and teamwork.
Dr Patricia Sheehan, who is leading the research at SETU, said the programme is about much more than football.
We're not looking for footballers. Men United is about helping men get moving, reconnect with others and experience the sense of belonging that comes from being part of a team following prostate cancer treatment."
Dr Patricia Sheehan, SETU
Dr Sheehan continued, "We want to create an environment where men can exercise safely, enjoy themselves and build friendships. Even the cup of tea and post-match analysis afterwards can be just as important as what happens on the pitch."
The programme builds on pioneering international research led by Professor Peter Krustrup and colleagues into the health benefits of football-based exercise, including the development of FC Prostate.
The initial Irish study will examine the feasibility of delivering the programme locally, alongside participants' experiences and a range of physical, psychological and social outcomes. SETU has also invested in its longer-term development through a four-year President's Scholarship PhD, which will explore opportunities to expand the programme to communities across Ireland.
Patient Involvement is central
Patient involvement is central to the project, with people who have experienced prostate cancer helping researchers consider how the programme can best meet the needs of men in Ireland.
Prostate cancer patient advocate John Wall is among those contributing to the research through Patient and Public Involvement (PPI).
The programme has also received the backing of former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland footballer John O'Shea, who is supporting the initiative's message of teamwork, participation and men's health.
Recruitment now underway
Men United is currently recruiting men aged 18 and over who have completed treatment for non-metastatic prostate cancer, subject to eligibility and safety screening.
Participants will attend SETU Arena twice weekly, on Tuesday mornings and Thursday evenings, over 12 weeks, with six weeks before Christmas and six weeks afterwards.
An information and registration evening will take place on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, at 7pm at SETU Arena, where interested participants can learn more about the programme.
Dr Sheehan encouraged men to get in touch, regardless of their footballing ability.
She advised that, "You don't need to have played football before. If you'd like to get moving, meet others and try something new, we'd love to hear from you. It's about being stronger together."
For further information or to express an interest:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 089 466 1917
Instagram: @footballismedicineireland
