Age UK kicks off new walking football programme at Bolton Arena

Age UK has launched a new walking football programme at Bolton Arena, 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 such as Bolton, to keep active and to improve physical and mental wellbeing through playing the game.

Age UK's walking football sessions at Bolton Arena will start on 28^th January, and will be held at Bolton Arena, on Friday 10:00 - 11:00, for people over the age of 60, with the addition of complimentary post session tea, coffee and biscuits.

Women's only sessions take place on Tuesday evenings from 19:00 - 20:00.

All sessions are outdoors, so attendees are encouraged to dress appropr

iately for the weather and to bring a drink to keep hydrated. There is no maximum age on these sessions, and people of all abilities and previous experience are welcome. All groups and sessions are COVID-secure, delivered in accordance with Government guidelines.

Marcus Brown, Football Manager at Bolton Arena, 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 Arena’s walking football programme, or for more information, please contact Bolton Arena reception team on 01204 488100.

The Age UK walking football programme at Bolton Arena is also helped by the aid of volunteers. If you have any free time to help then please email football@boltonarena.com.

The Age UK Walking Football Programme is funded in partnership with The FA and also Sport England, who are investing money raised by National Lottery players into the programme. It’s being delivered across England through local Age UKs and will run for two years to November 2022.