The popularity of walking football is gathering pace and offers a lot more than just physical exercise.
‘It takes me back to my youth as well as giving me social enjoyment while being something that is good for me’ said Philip Lewis a walking football regular.
Participants come from all back grounds of the local community to take part in the sessions held at Hyndburn Leisure Centre every Friday by Accrington Stanley Community Trust. Alongside the physical aspects the sessions bring they also have psychological and social benefits. Improvement in self-esteem and confidence as well as new friendships being formed.
‘ I have played football all my life and as time went on there were many younger players to keep up with, walking football has given me the opportunity to play the sport I have loved all my life as well as keeping healthy and meeting new people,’ commented Mark Duckett.
The physical benefits that have been noticed include weight loss, lowered blood pressure and heart rate and better stability. Before the Friday session the ‘Up and active’ scheme that runs throughout East Lancashire getting once active people back active, offers all participants a free weigh in service so that they can keep track of their weight on a weekly basis. Playing walking football allows those who are recovering from an injury or have mobility issues, who may have shied away from sport keep healthy and active.
‘ With being nearly 70 I’d never thought I could play again, walking football allows me to get routine vigorous exercise and it’s the best form of exercise that works for me as I love the sport and the competitiveness of the sessions,’ remarked John Omerod
Matt Parkinson Football Development Officer who takes the sessions said ‘ it’s great to see the participants go back to their childhoods, you’d never guess that some of them were over 50! From not knowing anyone who attends they have all formed a strong bond as a group and the competiveness is as strong as ever.’
If you are wondering whether or not to play, come down to our sessions every Friday 1.30pm to 3pm at Hyndburn Leisure Centre and try it for yourself.
For more information please visit www.stanleytrust.co.uk or call 01254 304071.
