AFC Bournemouth’s Simon Francis has been announced as Player Ambassador for an infection prevention schools project with Nuffield Health Hospital Bournemouth.

The new Bug Busters initiative will see the right-back, who signed a new three year contract at the Goldsands Stadium last week, working alongside Nuffield Health infection prevention expert Chris Tickner and the head of AFC Bournemouth’s Community Trust, Steve Cuss, to educate school children about preventing the spread of germs and bacteria.

Simon said: “I’m over the moon to be associated with such an important initiative. I really hope I can help make a difference throughout the scheme.”

Nuffield Health Hospital Bournemouth Director David McNair said: “We know he has thousands of young fans out there who will be very inspired by what he has to say which will be critical in educating children about how to stop the spread of infection.”

The Bug Busters programme, which launches in October this year, will provide local schools with a series of free workshops and interactive football games focussed on how to prevent germs and bacteria spreading and causing sickness.

Schools interested in finding out more about the sessions are invited to contact Steve Cuss at AFC Bournemouth on 01202 726342, or 01202 702830.