Walsall FC Foundation’s walking footballers celebrated the project’s 10th anniversary this month.
As part of this week’s EFL Week of Action, highlighting the work of the league’s 72 clubs and foundations in their local communities, we visited the walking football group during their session at Sneyd Community Association.
Walking football provides a slower pace and more accessible version of the game, allowing all ages and abilities to take part.
The over 50s sessions take place twice a week, at Sneyd (Tuesdays, 10am – 11am) and the Poundland Bescot Stadium (Fridays, 6pm – 7.15pm).
Michael Fisher is the oldest member of the group at 90 years old, affectionately nicknamed ‘Ninja’ by his fellow players for his ability to quietly nip in to finish chances!
He said: “I’ve been playing walking football 8 or 9 years now, and since starting I feel 100% fitter. It’s about being social too and meeting people, I don’t mind if I score goals or not, that’s a bonus!
“It’s a friendly atmosphere and no one gets annoyed if you don’t do well, everyone treats me with respect.”
Over the last decade, Walsall FC Foundation has hosted over 1000 hours of walking football, with more than 20,000 attendances at sessions across the town.
Chris Springthorpe, Manager for Health & Wellbeing at Walsall FC Foundation, said: “Our walking sessions have developed to become a core part of our delivery since they began in 2014.
“What started as a project to get people active and for falls prevention, has shown a range of physical, mental and social benefits for older adults.
“Many of our participants never though they would be able to play football after their thirties, but the emergence of walking football offers the opportunity for all adults to still enjoy the beautiful game.
“But improving their mental wellbeing is just as important as the physical aspects. The camaraderie within the group, catching up with a tea or coffee after the session, those parts are just as essential.
For more information and to get involved over 50’s walking football sessions, please contact chris.springthorpe@walsallfc.co.uk.
