Walking Football kicks off in Gwynedd leisure centres

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Some members of the Exercise Referral sessions at the Glaslyn Leisure Centre, Porthmadog practice their walking football skills.

Thought your days of playing the beautiful game were a thing of the past? It might well be time to re-launch your football career, only at a slower pace.

Walking Football is a new phenomenon sweeping the country, where older players can get fit whilst having fun. Improve your cardio vascular fitness, increase muscle strength and joint mobility, increase concentration skills or simply relive those glory days.

 

The Walking Football is ideally for men and women aged 50+ and can be played regardless of physical ability and experience. The rules are the same as five-a-side except there is no running or slide tackling. You have to be over 50 years old and if you have had previous medical problems, you need your doctor’s approval – advice and forms are available at the leisure centre.

 

Emma Quaeck, Gwynedd Council’s Exercise Referral Coordinator said: “Walking Football offers an excellent opportunity for Exercise Referral clients to get involved with playing a sport rather than or as well as using the gym. But the sessions will be open to everyone who wants to play.

 

“When people first hear about Walking Football, they assume that it will be played at a snail’s pace and lack the excitement of the traditional game but they are usually in for a pleasant surprise. The task of passing the ball accurately between team mates without being able to run provides players with both mental and physical challenges and is ideal for those who want to get fitter whilst avoiding the sort of impact injuries that can sometimes be associated with field sports.”

 

Councillor Mair Rowlands, Gwynedd Council Cabinet Member for Healthy Gwynedd added: “There are many older adults who retain a love of sport, and in particular football, but feel that they are unable to participate in traditional programmes due to falling health and fitness levels.

“Establishing Walking Football in Gwynedd has the potential to attract a great mix of people to get together for some fitness and fun, and doesn’t matter if you’ve never played before, I certainly think it’s worth giving it a try.”

 

Gwynedd’s leisure centres have organised free ‘Come & Try it’ sessions under the supervision of experienced staff for those who would like to see what it’s all about.

Following these taster sessions, Walking Football will then take place on a weekly basis and most centres offer indoor as well as outdoor venues, so it doesn’t matter about the weather.

 

Taster sessions will be held at the following locations:

 

  • Tuesday, 16 June 2015 – Plas Silyn Leisure Centre, Penygroes 11.30-12.30pm
  • Wednesday, 17 June 2015 – Glaslyn Leisure Centre, Porthmadog –1.00-2.00pm
  • Thursday, 18 June 2015 – Pavilion Leisure Centre, Barmouth –1.00-2.00pm
  • Thursday, 18 June -2015 – Dwyfor Leisure Centre, Pwllheli 3.00-4.00pm
  • Tuesday, 23 June 2015 – Penllyn Leisure Centre, Bala 12.30-2.30pm
  • Monday, 29 June 2015 – Bro Dysynni Leisure Centre, Tywyn 1.30-2.30pm
  • Tuesday, 30 June 2015 – Plas Ffrancon, Bethesda 11.00-12.00
  • Thursday, 2 July 2015 – Arfon Tennis Centre, Caernarfon 1.00-2.00pm
  • Monday, 6 July 2015 – Glanwnion Leisure Centre, Dolgellau 1.00-2.00pm
  • Wednesday, 19 August 2015 – Bangor Pool, Bangor 1.00-2.00pm

 

For further information contact your local leisure centre or you can call Emma Quaecke on 01766 5120932 / 07768 988095.