17/11/2018
Walking football sessions 9:30am on Monday mornings at Whitletts Activity Centre. New recruits are invited to come along. Walking football is a variant of association football that is aimed at keeping people aged over 50 involved with football if, due to a lack of mobility or for other reason, they are not able to play the traditional game. Though based on association football, the key difference in the rules, from standard football, is that if a player runs then they concede a free kick to the other side. This restriction, together with a ban on slide tackles , is aimed both at avoiding injuries and facilitating the playing of the sport by those who are physically disadvantaged.
The benefits for this older age group are tremendous. Those playing have seen an improvement in the cardiovascular fitness, joint mobility, and co-ordination. It also gives the guys something to look forward to instead of sitting at home watching television. It is very hard to motivate people who have stopped a regular fitness programme as they think age is telling them they should slow down. Walking three times a week to improve fitness or plodding along on a static bike in the local gym can often be monotonous, but put a ball in front of them and they will start moving like they are teenagers again. Most men stop playing in their mid or late 30s, due to a reduction in fitness levels or an increase in injury incidences. This is the most frustrating thing in the world as they still have the skills and decision making capacity, but their legs no longer work well enough. Most of my guys who come to the sessions are between mid 50s to early 70s and move at the same type of pace. If you want to become more active and are interested in taking this up simply come along any week. For further information contact Danny Dunlop on 07713 484511.
