Watford Walking Football Club provides access to walking football for people aged 50 and over. They currently have over 80 members and are growing fast.
The sport is played at walking pace, with players not allowed to run. This includes with the ball or off the ball and includes jogging. The aim is to provide a safe, fun environment to increase the wellbeing of all adults both mentally and physically. The threat of pain, discomfort and injury is reduced due to the combination of a slower pace and reduced contact. This allows people who have loved the sport all their lives to once again safely get back to playing. It also introduces the sport to people who perhaps have never considered playing before.
The group’s members age range and past medical histories mean that there may be increased risk of cardiac arrest. Hertfordshire Community Foundation provided a grant of £5,000 to Watford Walking Football Club to cover the costs of three defibrillators and first aid equipment. Theses will help to minimise any adverse issues that may occur whilst their members are playing.
Helen Gray, Hertfordshire Community Director said, “As we get older, it becomes even more important to remain active to stay healthy and maintain independence. Regular exercise can have significant health benefits and experts agree that it can slow down the affects of aging. Having life saving equipment on hand means that the members of Watford Walking Football Club can enjoy all the benefits of the sport with added confidence, especially those who may be recovering from heart issues.”
For more information on grant programmes available from Hertfordshire Community Foundation
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For more information on Watford walking Football
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