Walking football and Parkinson's
We find out more about walking football and hear from Dave and Monica about how it benefits them.
What is walking football?
Walking football is based on football but, instead of players running around the pitch, everyone walks to get around.
Current guidelines suggest aiming for 30 minutes of moderate to high-intensity activity five times a week. Although walking football doesn’t involve running, it counts as high-intensity exercise.
Games are usually 6-a-side, meaning that everyone gets more involvement than they would in regular football. There is no tackling or heading.
Matches have sessions that normally last 15 or 20 minutes, and there are regular breaks. The slower pace means that players have more time to react and are less likely to lose their balance. Men and women usually play together and most matches take place indoors on artificial grass pitches.
You don’t need any experience of football to get involved.
Monica, 75, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s just over a year ago. She explains how walking football has helped her deal with the shock of diagnosis.
"After my diagnosis, I found an exercise class through Parkinson’s UK. There, I met someone who told me about walking football sessions for people with Parkinson’s offered by Arsenal Football Club."
I can’t lie - when I first heard about walking football, I was completely disinterested. However, I gave it a try and I had the best time. It was the first time I felt cheerful since my diagnosis.
"I’ve befriended people from all backgrounds and some of us meet socially too. It helps to chat to others with Parkinson’s. We compare notes on things like diet and medication and even depression. We never feel embarrassed because all the players have Parkinson’s, so we can have a laugh together.
"Our group has grown in the past year - we’ve gone from seven or eight players to nearly 50!
"My confidence has grown too. I used to shut my eyes when I saw the ball coming. Now, if I score a goal or make a save, I run around celebrating - although then I tend to miss the next one!
"I also feel better physically. After a game, my walking improves so much that I don’t need my walking stick as I leave the pitch. This effect doesn’t last too long, but it improves my mood hugely.
"When I’m feeling low, walking football cheers me up. When I play, I’m not thinking about Parkinson’s or my symptoms. I feel genuinely cheerful."
Dave, 75, explains how walking football has helped him manage his Parkinson’s, make new friends and stay active.
"I was a member of the British Armed Forces for 22 years and served in the Middle East, Germany and during the Falklands conflict. Military life teaches you to make exercise and physical activity part of your routine. You have to be physically fit to do the job, so it’s something I’ve tried to keep doing in later life.
"After I joined my local Parkinson’s group, my interest in being active with the condition really started. Soon after, a group member suggested giving walking football a go.
"I thought: why not?"
Walking football helps with stiffness and coordination. It improves my balance and mobility, particularly in my right hand side, which is my ‘Parkinson’s side’.
"The game has had a really positive impact on my physical and mental wellbeing - plus it’s good fun! When I first started playing I felt energised and on a high.
"Our team now plays friendly tournaments against local Parkinson’s healthcare staff - both teams are determined to win!
"It’s great socially, as you meet others living with Parkinson’s. You get a real sense of teamwork.
"I would definitely encourage anyone with Parkinson’s to try walking football. Everyone is very welcome."