This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Walking Football’s coming home!
16/06/2021
Age and fitness need not be a barrier to joining in with the nation’s favourite game
The over 50s will soon be able to join in with the nation’s favourite game thanks to new weekly walking football sessions. The new initiative offers an accessible way to get involved in a team sport that requires no level of physical fitness or ability.
Cherwell District Council is working with the Oxfordshire Football Association, Age UK and Banbury United to bring free regular introductory sessions to the town.
Cherwell’s Lead Member for Leisure and Sport, Councillor Phil Chapman, said: “Just because you might not be as quick as Marcus Rashford, doesn’t mean you have to hang up your boots. Walking Football has huge health benefits, both to your physical and mental wellbeing, and it’s also great fun. Men and women of all abilities are able to play together, making it the ideal, sociable sport for everyone to get involved.”
Walking Football is a unique amateur sport, first created by John Croot in 2011. It is similar to the Association Football version of the game, with the same basic rules and ball skills.
The sessions in Banbury will start as a fun introduction to the sport, but there is the possibility of forming an official club to take part in competitive games in the future.
Age UK Oxfordshire has funded the sessions through their Generation Games programme.
Alastair Thomas, Head of Exercise and Physical Activity at Age UK Oxfordshire said: “We are delighted to be working with such great partners to deliver a new walking football group in Banbury. It’s a great opportunity to re-engage with or try football for the first time.”
Cherwell District Council’s Youth Activators will run the free weekly sessions. These will start at Spiceball Country Park on Monday 28 June, between 5pm and 6pm, moving to Banbury United’s Community Stadium once planned improvement works are completed.
When the weather deteriorates over the winter the sessions will move to Spiceball Leisure Centre.
For more information and to get your name down, email physical.activity@cherwell-dc.gov.uk or call 01295 753749.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam
Ken McDougall On 21/09/2021 at 4:13 pm
At 73 years old, I think it is time that I started my second football career. Hopefully you can let me start; I am available on Monday evenings. Please advise.