Age UK B&NES’ walking football players will be joined by a team of special guests today, Monday 11th July, with Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Cabinet members and Chairman set to take part.
The Cabinet Members and Chairman have agreed to a game at Odd Down Sports Ground, to help the local charity promote the benefits of the game, attract new members and, hopefully, new business sponsors.
Walking Football is one of the UK’s fastest-growing sports for the over 50s, and Age UK B&NES works with coach Nick Dewfall from Inclusive Sport and Fitness to run sessions at Odd Down, Midsomer Norton and Twerton.
Described as ‘the beautiful game, only slower’, Walking Football is reviving a passion for sport among the over 55s.
The skills, tactics, and all of the rules of Walking Football are the same as the speeded-up version of the sport, but it has one rule which if broken means a free kick – no running is allowed.
One of regulars at the Odd Down and Twerton sessions credits Walking Football for changing everything, saying: “My problems were and still are varied and plentiful, with more paper I could tell you a story from how my life was desperate, homelessness, prison, a vile existence.
“The football has been the main reason, THE reason, I’ve turned my life around, and if you listen I will give you an honest account of how I went from existing to living!”
Janet Dabbs, chief executive of Age UK B&NES, said: “Walking Football is proving hugely popular across the area. Not only do those who attend enjoy and benefit from the physical side of the matches, the social aspect is really important too.
“We charge a small weekly fee for the sessions but we would really like local businesses to get involved and sponsor us.”
Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, Cllr Tim Warren, is expected to bring along a team including Cllr Martin Veal, Cllr Vic Pritchard, Cllr Patrick Anketell-Jones (tbc), Cllr Michael Evans, Cllr Charles Gerrish and Council Chairman, Cllr Alan Hale.
Cllr Warren said: “I am really looking forward to taking part in Age UK B&NES’ game of Walking Football next week and meeting some of the people in the area who have been supported by the charity’s work.
“It is fantastic to see that this sport is proving so popular and as a Council we are delighted to see any initiative that encourages people over 50 to live healthy lives by getting more active, more often.”
Age UK B&NES runs Walking Football sessions as follows:
- Mondays, Odd Down Sports Ground, 10-11am, £4;
- Thursdays, Midsomer Norton Leisure Centre, 10 – 11am, £4;
- Fridays, Odd Down Sports Ground, 10-11am, £4;
- Sessions will also re-start again at Twerton Park in September.
Anyone interested can turn up on the day, ensuring that they are wearing sensible clothing for exercise, and football boots if they have them, although there are some boots available to borrow, in various sizes.
To find out more about Walking Football, call 07411013516 or email [email protected].
If you’re a business interested in sponsoring Walking Football or supporting local charity Age UK B&NES in any way, contact Aimi Kuhlke on 01225 466135 / [email protected]
