Manchester United have been awarded £30,000 worth of lottery money, it has emerged.
The cash will be used to provide yoga classes, fitness training and walks for club staff.
The money is part of a million pound regional campaign aimed at boosting fitness levels among people in the North West.
Sport England have defended their decision to give money to one of the richest clubs in the world.
A spokesperson said: "We cannot and should not discriminate against a firm based on whether it is perceived to be a wealthy organisation.
"But we should target those who will help make a real difference."
United's director of communications Phil Townsend told Radio Manchester: "If this had been a multi-million pound challenge it possibly would not have occurred to us to do this programme.
"We are happy to be involved. For us it is about activity, not necessarily about pumping iron in the gym.
"Every member of staff who wants to go on the programme has had a health assessment."
The cash will be used to provide yoga classes, fitness training and walks for club staff.
The money is part of a million pound regional campaign aimed at boosting fitness levels among people in the North West.
Sport England have defended their decision to give money to one of the richest clubs in the world.
A spokesperson said: "We cannot and should not discriminate against a firm based on whether it is perceived to be a wealthy organisation.
"But we should target those who will help make a real difference."
United's director of communications Phil Townsend told Radio Manchester: "If this had been a multi-million pound challenge it possibly would not have occurred to us to do this programme.
"We are happy to be involved. For us it is about activity, not necessarily about pumping iron in the gym.
"Every member of staff who wants to go on the programme has had a health assessment."
