New Walking Football Group!

Age UK Herefordshire and Worcestershire kicks off new walking football programme!

Age UK Herefordshire and Worcestershire has launched a new walking football programme for older people to enjoy.

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. 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 Active H&W, The Football Association and Sport England to help older people in communities like Worcestershire and Herefordshire to keep active and to improve physical and mental wellbeing through playing the game.

Age UK Herefordshire & Worcestershire’s walking football sessions will start on 9^th July 2021 11am – 12.30pm and will be held at every Friday at King George V Playing Field, Ash Avenue, Worcester, WR4 9TL. The sessions are open to anyone over the age of 50 regardless of ability or previous experience! Age UK H&W are offering FREE taster sessions with sessions costing £3.50 per session thereafter. All groups and sessions will be COVID-secure and delivered in accordance with Government guidelines. 

Caroline Savage, Social Inclusion and Wellbeing Manager at Age UK Herefordshire & Worcestershire said: “We’re thrilled to have launched the Age UK Walking Football Programme in Worcester 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.”

Tom Howard, Adult Participation Officer from Active H&W who is going to be joining us at the sessions said: “It’s really exciting to see another Walking Football group being set up here in Worcester. It’s important for older adults to keep active and this is a great opportunity for them to participant in regular exercising whilst socialising through the sport.”

To join the walking football session, or for more information, please contact Age UK H&W using the details below. You can also find out more here.

Age UK Herefordshire & Worcestershire is also looking for volunteers to support its walking football sessions. If you have any free time to help then please contact Age UK H&W: 0800 008 6077 or email: volunteering@ageukhw.org.uk