Walking Football's Coming Home
Oxfordshire FA is delighted to announce details of a brand-new Walking Football opportunity that is heading for Banbury, as we work to ensure more people than ever can take part in the national game.
We’re working with Cherwell District Council, Age UK and Banbury United to bring free introductory sessions to the town.
Cherwell District Council’s Youth Activators will be running FREE weekly sessions, taking place between 5pm and 6pm at Spiceball Country Park from Monday 28 June. Once planned improvement works are completed, the sessions will be moving to Banbury United’s Community Stadium.
Walking Football is played by people aged 50 and over. The format of the game provides an accessible way to get involved in a team sport that requires a low intensity in terms of physical fitness and can be played by those of all abilities.
Cherwell District Council’s Lead Member for Leisure and Sport, Councillor Phil Chapman, said: “Just because you might not be as quick as Marcus Rashford, doesn’t mean you have to hang up your boots. Walking Football has huge health benefits, both to your physical and mental wellbeing, and it’s also great fun. Men and women of all abilities are able to play together, making it the ideal, sociable sport for everyone to get involved.”
Michael Thurlow, Football Development Manager at Oxfordshire FA, added: “We are excited to support this fantastic project in Banbury. This new Walking Football group is a fantastic opportunity to engage with a new target audience in the area. We welcome people of all abilities to get involved, whether you have previously ‘hung up your boots’ or never played the game before.”
Alistair Thomas, Head of Exercise and Physical Activity at Age UK Oxfordshire, said: “We are delighted to be working with such great partners to deliver a new Walking Football group in Banbury. It's a great opportunity to re-engage with or try football for the first time.”
The sessions in Banbury will start as a fun introduction to the sport; however there is the possibility of forming an official club to take part in competitive games in the future.
Bicester Fossils Walking Football Club started in a similar way and now plays regular games at Whitelands Farm Sports Ground.
For more information and to register for the sessions, email physical.activity@cherwell-dc.gov.uk or call 01295 753749.
You can also find further information and sign up for this session online via the England Football ‘Find Football’ tool.
https://find.englandfootball.com/venue/188632276754
