Wigan Council launch new walking football initiative in partnership with the Walking Football Association and Parkinson’s UK

Ready for kick-off: participants from a local walking football session enjoy a kick about | © Stephen Dixon, Wigan Council

People living in Wigan and the surrounding areas who are affected by Parkinson’s and other long term medical conditions or mobility issues, are being encouraged to join a new walking football programme in the area.

Be Well’s Back to Sport team will be delivering the session and it kicks-off on Friday, May 12 at Leigh Leisure Centre, Leigh Sports Village, Sale Way, Leigh, WN7 4JY from 11am until 12 noon.

There’s no need to book your first FREE session, just come along and give it a go. After that, all sessions will be £3.50. You can book your place by calling Leigh Leisure Centre on 01942 487800.

The sessions will include a warm-up, incorporating exercises to improve and maintain your strength and balance, followed by fun drills and walking football matches, where the score is not taken too seriously.

Stay after the session for a free biscuit and a brew – It’s more than just a session!

Walking football is not only a fun and social way for people to get active, but it can also help with problem areas such as strength, coordination, balance, and mobility.

The new walking football project is being supported by funding from the Walking Football Association and Parkinson’s UK who are working with activity providers across the UK to help more people living with the condition to enjoy being active.

Stephen Dixon, Sports Engagement Officer at Wigan Council, said: “We’re really excited to be a part of this project, providing opportunities for men and women to improve their physical and mental health and wellbeing in a fun, friendly environment.”

For more information about the new walking football sessions, contact Ben Kelly, Sports Engagement Co-ordinator at Be Well on 07442 798738.

For more information on the new sessions and to view the full Back to Sport timetable visit www.wigan.gov.uk/backtosport

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