Parkinson's UK funding supports new walking football projects

We're partnering with activity providers and sports organisations to help more people living with Parkinson's to get active.

Our latest partnership is with the Walking Football Association (WFA) which will allow more people to get active, improve their wellbeing, and lift their mood.

The partnership will increase the number of walking football sessions across the UK and it's hoped that more people with Parkinson's will get involved. 

The WFA will use the grant funding to invest in new equipment, accredited football coaches and indoor venue hire at locations across the UK.

2 new walking football programmes for people with Parkinson's are due to launch in Wigan and Swindon, with more planned this year.

Tim Morton, Physical Activity Programme Manager for Parkinson’s UK, said:  

"We are delighted to be working with the WFA and we hope the new funding will allow more people with Parkinson’s to try something new and stay active.

"Being active is so important for people with Parkinson’s as it can help manage symptoms, maintain health and lift your mood. It can make you feel good inside and out. The more physically active you are, the easier it is to live well with Parkinson’s."

Stuart Langworthy, manager of the England over 60s walking football team, said:

"The WFA is delighted to be working with Parkinson’s UK to support more people with Parkinson's to get active and join their local walking football sessions.

"The new funding will be used to offer more football sessions for people with Parkinson’s and to support facility hire, new equipment and coaching costs.

"The WFA has already supported more than 15 sessions for people with Parkinson’s in England over the last 2 years and we hope that more people will get involved with the programme.

"We hope to have up to 10 new sessions starting in the next year for people with Parkinson's and other conditions."

How does walking football help? 

Walking football is not only a fun and social way for people with Parkinson’s to get active, but it can also help them manage their symptoms and improve strength, coordination, balance and mobility. 

The game is all about teamwork and is played indoors at a much slower pace, meaning that players have more time to react to the ball. 

Walking football is also open to all abilities and there are clubs available across the UK, so if you've never played before, why not give it a try?