Chlamydia testing at matchdays

Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is the leading and largest HIV and sexual health charity in the UK. As part of their ‘Young and Free’ campaign they are targeting 16-25 year olds in a bid to get them to test for Chlamydia, a disease that is on the rise amongst this age range. As Anna Newbold from THT explains:

‘Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection that affects about 1 in 10 young people in the UK.  Most of the time it has no signs or symptoms, so people don’t think to get tested.  If left untreated it can cause long term problems and lead to infertility, but the infection itself is easily treatable with antibiotics.  We are encouraging all young people aged between 16-25 who have ever been sexually active to do a test, it is quick, pain-free and confidential.  All we need is a urine sample and we can send the results to each individual’s mobile phone.  The test and necessary treatment is all totally free and will not appear on medical records.’

THT approached Street League in February, recognising that we may be able to help them in accessing their particular target groups. Following a visit by two of their staff to the March matchday, they managed to convince 14 players to get tested. Due to this success, THT staff will be attended the matchdays in June, July and August. Anna Newbold sees the partnership as a natural fit:

‘Street League provides us with a fantastic opportunity to reach groups we might not otherwise have the opportunity to otherwise. By attending their matchdays we can speak to players in a relaxed environment and show them that testing is quick and simple. We’re hoping that by coming to three consecutive matchdays, players who are nervous at first might come back the next month.’

At the matchday in June, twenty players were tested and we made a short film about it