‘No walking, no running, no sprinting – only walking’ are the rules of the game.
By Nathan Blades and Rory Marsden
AFC Wimbledon are offering Merton’s over-50s the opportunity to play the beautiful game with the launch of Walking Football.
‘No walking, no running, no sprinting – only walking’ are the rules of the game, taking place every Wednesday, between 6pm and 8pm, at The Tooting and Mitcham Hub.
The hour-long free sessions are aimed at male residents of Merton who want to play football but no longer feel they have the energy.
Paul Foley, Community Football Scheme Manager at AFC Wimbledon, said: “It’s for those people who aren’t able or don’t want to play a full game, but gives them the opportunity to still play.”
AFC Wimbledon’s Community Football Scheme has teamed up with Merton Priory Homes and the Sutton & Merton NHS Live-Well organisation to launch the scheme.
As well as providing facilities for playing football, the scheme also aims to enhance the physical and social health of Merton’s older population.
The indoor sessions are followed by an hour of socialising and use of the Hub’s facilities including pool tables and dart boards.
Free health advice from NHS Live-Well Champions is also available at the sessions for the participants.
Mr Foley said: “Over-50s males aren’t usually too willing to go to the doctors but they will be able to get medical advice at the sessions.”
Free travel to the sessions is available courtesy of Merton Priory Homes who funded the programme through their community fund.
To book yourself in for the sessions and for more information, please contact the AFCW Community Football Scheme on 020 8974 5712.
Photo courtesy of beefy_n1 with thanks.
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