Walk a chance to get back into the beautiful game

Date: 
Thursday, 2 February, 2017

 

People are being offered the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful game at their own pace by East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture (EDLC) Trust.Walking football logo

Walking Football sessions kick off again on Wednesday 8 February in Kirkintilloch Leisure Centre - giving people the chance to keep fit, socialise and have a ball.

Sessions will be on from 1pm-2pm and will cost £2.50, with tea, coffee and biscuits served afterwards.

Walking Football is aimed at keeping people aged 50+ involved with football if, due to a lack of mobility or other reason, they are unable to play the traditional game.

Running is not allowed, meaning a player - whilst moving around the pitch - must have one foot in contact with the ground at all times.

This restriction, together with a ban on slide tackles, is aimed at avoiding injuries and encouraging the sport among those who are physically disadvantaged.

East Dunbartonshire became one of the first places in Scotland to launch sessions of Walking Football specifically for people living with dementia in 2015, when the WALK Project teamed up with Ceartas Advocacy and other key services in the East Dunbartonshire Dementia Network.

The new season began in August and - after a break during Christmas and January - the sessions begin again on 8 February.

Councillor Anne Jarvis, Chair of EDLC Trust, said, "Walking Football has proven very popular with players of all types of abilities who enjoy the chance to play the beautiful game again.

"It's designed to give people the chance to play the game they love, but reduce the chance of injury. It's a great way to keep fit, learn skills, have fun and socialise at the same time.

"Even if you have never played football before, this is the perfect introduction to the game and the organisers will help you practice at a level of activity that best suits your needs, making sure you are safe, comfortable and having fun.

"We've received a lot of positive feedback from participants and their carers about the many health and social benefits of Walking Football."

For further information click on the image or contact Football Development on 0141 578 8431 - e-mail football@eastdunbarton.gov.uk

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