Age UK Bolton Launches Walking Football Sessions

Age UK Bolton has launched a new walking football programme for older people in Bolton.

Football is our national game, beloved of millions, and the walking version is a fun, friendly and safe way of engaging in physical activity for both men and women in later life. It's open to all, whether you've played football before or not and regardless of age. It's great for the mind as well as the body and is a sociable sport, giving everyone involved the chance to make new friends and enjoy being part of a team.

This new local scheme is part of a wider Age UK walking football programme supported by both The Football Association and Sport England to help older people in communities like Bolon to keep active and to improve physical and mental wellbeing through playing the game.

Age UK Bolton’s walking football sessions will start on Tuesday 22^nd June and will be held at Burnden Park Sports Facility. The sessions are open to anyone over the age of 50 regardless of ability or previous experience. All groups and sessions will be COVID-secure and delivered in accordance with Government guidelines. 

Niall Bradley, Strength and Balance team leader at Age UK Bolton said: “We’re thrilled to have launched the Age UK Walking Football Programme in Bolton, thanks to funding from The Football Association and Sport England. Being active is good for physical and mental health whatever your age and it’s especially important as we get older. It can improve confidence and wellbeing, help older people live independently for longer, and reduce isolation and loneliness. It’s been a difficult time for older people in our community during the pandemic, and our walking football programme will be a great opportunity for older people to feel active and socialise again in a safe and fun environment.”

To sign up to Age UK Bolton’s walking football programme, or for more information, please visit https://www.ageuk.org.uk/bolton/our-services/walking-football/ or contact Niall on 01204 382411

Age UK Bolton are also looking for volunteers to support with its walking football sessions. If you have any free time to help then please contact volunteering@ageukbolton.org.uk for more information.