Walsall FC Foundation are starting new Walking Football and Coffee & Chat sessions this month, backed by Walsall Council, aiming to support the armed forces community.
The initiative was launched at the Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium this Tuesday morning (17 June), with activities from 10am – 12pm.
Members of the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) also came down to meet participants and join in, visiting from the nearby Army Reserve Centre in Walsall.
The Foundation, the official charity of Walsall Football Club, is delivering the sessions for the armed forces community as part of its new Health Hub.
In addition to the Armed Forces Hub, the Health Hub also offers extra walking football sessions for both men and women, all encouraging adults to get active and improve their physical and mental wellbeing.
Chris Springthorpe, Health & Wellbeing Manager at Walsall FC Foundation, said: “Since the Club and Foundation signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2023, we’ve been exploring ways we can offer bespoke support for the armed forces community.
“While the club engage with armed forces personnel on our military matchdays, we were keen to offer regular activities to build and grow the community further through Walsall FC Foundation.
“We consulted a number of those with links to the armed forces, including Walsall FC season ticket holders and community veterans’ groups, and are pleased to now offer these sessions from June.”
Walsall Council has provided financial support through its Community Building and Cohesion Fund, which helps bring communities together and supports the wellbeing of underrepresented or vulnerable groups.
Around 2.2% of Walsall’s population is identified as a member or veteran of the armed forces, equating to around 6,500 people – many of whom will also have families who fall within the Armed Forces Covenant.
Councillor Adam Hicken, Walsall Council’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “We are proud to support this initiative, which helps to foster inclusion and a sense of community for everyone in Walsall.
“For their selfless service and sacrifices, our armed forces and veterans deserve recognition and dedicated support, and this project is a great way to give something back, offering social connection, fitness, and fun.
“It shows how sport can bring people together and help tackle isolation. This initiative is a fitting way to set the tone for Armed Forces Day, which we will celebrate later this month.”
For more information on the Armed Forces Hub and other Walsall FC Foundation health activities, please contact chris.springthorpe@walsallfc.co.uk or visit https://walsallfcfoundation.com/health/.
If you are interested in joining or getting involved with the Army Reserves, please contact stephen.fereday@mod.gov.uk.
