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Walking Football (& Netball) is healthy option for improving social life and depression.

(13 Posts)
PhilA Sun 28-Oct-18 13:12:10

There are over 1000 clubs in England alone, often with more than one weekly session.
I run 3 sessions a week myself and its incredible how everyone agrees its improved their mental as well as their physical health. Have you considered it?
We have six ladies (48-68) but its mostly men (52-75) and its ideal for us all to get more active, in the fresh air and have fun.
Many have said gyms are boring and lonely whereas this gives us enormous pleasure. Its fairly easy rules - just walk, no hard tackling and no overhead height.
We have players who've survived cancer and other serious health scares, quad-heart-by-passes, fractures, joint replacements, diabetes etc. Its also helped those unemployed, suddenly redundant or retired, stressed or bereaved and it helps to fill the day and become someone worthwhile again. Most of us have lost weight too and all are definitely fitter!
If you physically can't play, then why not ask if you can referee the matches? There is rarely dissent and its mainly good-natured banter. You'll be very welcome at our club.
We have a great laugh playing and afterwards we all stop for a cuppa, chat and laugh.
Some of us last played together 30-40 years ago and are just catching-up since our 20s!
Want to know more? - try your local Football Association or google. Some GP surgeries are advertising it now as it beats taking pills!
My club is in Moulton (Northampton) and has 60 regular players across three weekly sessions. I also play for a Bedford afternoon team as you can join as many clubs as you wish.
I'm keen to hear from other players or club officials.

PhilA Sun 28-Oct-18 13:14:43

Here's some Walking Football adverts and slogans...!

PhilA Sun 28-Oct-18 13:15:30

Here's great slogan to help set up your club!

NannyJan53 Mon 29-Oct-18 07:39:20

I would like to give this a try, but doesn't seem to be one near me.

Blinko Mon 29-Oct-18 07:54:33

Me too. Sounds like it could be fun!

PhilA Mon 29-Oct-18 08:33:12

There are 1000 all over the country and all over the world! Its been going for 7 years and started in Chesterfield, Derbyshire.
Have you tried Facebook 'Walking Football www.facebook.com/groups/203908826892102/
or www.facebook.com/WalkingFootballdotcom/
I can help if you send me your nearest town.
Yes, its great fun.
Phil

Pittcity Mon 29-Oct-18 08:45:50

I love my walking netball session. I've made lots of friends and we have a great laugh. It's great exercise too.

Teetime Mon 29-Oct-18 09:23:57

I run a Walking Netball session here in Melton Mowbray having picked up a thread by pittcity some time ago. I have 26 lady members (anyone can join but only ladies so far) and they love it. We have been going for a year. We get support from the Netball Association and have a coach who comes every few weeks other than that we just get on with it. We persuaded the council to let use the big hall at a local sports centre for £10 an hour so we are making enough money to train a coach of our own. (I charge £2 a session) Last week the group gave me a wonderful card and voucher which said how happy they are to come on Monday mornings and that they have made lots of new friends. I have one lady who uses a walking frame and she usually keeps goal but she has lost a stone and her mobility has improved tremendously. Most of us have some health problems and we work round it. If there is not one in your area the Netball Association will help you to set one up and I am here to help as much as I can. Its terrific. Must go - off to Walking Netball - wouldnt miss it.

Luckygirl Mon 29-Oct-18 09:52:46

Sounds great - none near me.

Blinko Mon 29-Oct-18 09:54:13

I've googled walking netball, but there doesn't seem to be anything near me (Black Country) sad

Teetime Mon 29-Oct-18 11:42:19

There wasn't anything here until I started a group its easy to do- send the Netball association and e-mail and they will help you. We had a great time this morning 16 ladies came and it was laughter all the way.

Grannyknot Mon 29-Oct-18 15:16:34

I'm very excited - there's a new group two minutes away from my house at a local high school.

I'll be there tomorrow!

I used to love netball at school.

smile

Pittcity Mon 29-Oct-18 17:58:40

We'll have to start a GN netball league!