Thanks to the support and funding from the Parkinson’s UK Physical Activity Grant, York City Football Club are running specialist Parkinson’s only walking-football sessions on the mini pitches at the LNER Community Stadium.
The hour-long sessions are run by a qualified coach and aim to improve participants’ muscle strength, balance, co-ordination, mental health, and well-being. The focus is on the fun, using football as the tool.
The YCFC Foundation Inclusion Officer, said, “For some time, we have really wanted to share our walking football experience with a wider section of the community, especially those who may not have the confidence to join a regular Walking Football session. It is well known that physical activity can really help with balance, strength and coordination as well as improving mental wellbeing, including confidence and self-esteem.”
Feedback from the first few weeks has been great. Participants have commented that they are enjoying the fact they can come down for extra exercise and gain those extra benefits— and that everyone is “nice and friendly”.
The Parkinson’s UK-funded Walking Football sessions are free weekly sessions running on Wednesdays from 10-11am until July.
All participants are asked to complete a registration form prior to taking part in their first session. You can email inclusion@yorkcityfcfoundation.co.uk or call YCFC Foundation on 01904 559508 to chat about the session before venturing down for the first time.
Add a comment