Age UK Salford in partnership with Foundation 92 has launched a new walking football programme for older people in Albert Park, Broughton and in Swinton.

Football is our national game, beloved of millions, and the walking version is a fun, friendly and safe way of engaging in physical activity for both men and women in later life. It’s open to all, whether you’ve played football before or not and regardless of age. It’s great for the mind as well as the body and is a sociable sport, giving everyone involved the chance to make new friends and enjoy being part of a team.

This local scheme is part of a wider Age UK walking football programme supported by both The Football Association and Sport England to help older people in Salford to keep active and to improve physical and mental wellbeing through playing the game.

Age UK Salford’s walking football sessions will start on Tuesday 25th of January and will be held weekly at Albert Park in Broughton and in Swinton. The sessions are open to anyone over the age of 50 regardless of ability or previous experience. We will also run a session for those living with dementia. All groups and sessions will be COVID-secure and delivered in accordance with Government guidelines. The groups will be facilitated by Foundation 92, who will provide professional and experienced coaches to support the groups.

Sue Fletcher, Assistant Chief Executive at Age UK Salford said: “We’re thrilled to have launched the Age UK Walking Football Programme in Broughton and Swinton thanks to funding from The Football Association and Sport England. Being active is good for physical and mental health whatever your age and it’s especially important as we get older. It can improve confidence and wellbeing, help older people live independently for longer, and reduce isolation and loneliness. It’s been a difficult time for older people in our community during the pandemic, and our walking football programme will be a great opportunity for older people to feel active and socialise in a safe and fun environment.”

Tom Hutton, Head of Foundation 92 said: “We’re delighted to have partnered with Age UK Salford to support residents in the community to live longer and healthier lifestyles. Foundation 92 is proud to be offering three new, free to access walking football activities, which we hope will cater for the needs of the whole community. Moving forwards, we will be looking to support service users to participate in semi-competitive local and regional competition, representing the City of Salford. I would encourage anyone interested to pop along and give the programme a go, you will not be disappointed”.

To sign up to Age UK Salford’s walking football programme or for more information about the sessions, you can contact:

Dementia Friendly – Jean Mann, 0161 728 2001

The Deans Primary – Joy Kershaw, 0161 359 3410

Albert Park – Matt Agnew, 07596 327684

Age UK Salford is also looking for volunteers to support its walking football sessions. If you have any free time to help then please contact our Head Office in Eccles on 0161 733 7800 or via the website.