Walk Fit – Walking Football for Inclusion and Togetherness is a new initiative for those with an interest in sport, community engagement and active ageing. The project aims to promote a slower paced and low impact version of the traditional game which is designed primarily for adults aged 50 and over, while also welcoming people of other ages who may benefit from a gentler way to stay active due to health conditions or reduced mobility.

Led by Swieqi United Football Club, in partnership with A.S.D. Real Sala Bolognese from Italy, the first activity will train individuals who wish to become coaches or referees in walking football. These training sessions, which will combine theory and practical experience, are open to everyone, and no previous football, coaching or refereeing experience is required.

‘Walk Fit – Walking Football for Inclusion and Togetherness’ aims to promote a slower paced and low impact version of the traditional game which is designed primarily for adults aged 50 and over, while also welcoming people of other ages who may benefit from a gentler way to stay active due to health conditions or reduced mobility.

The first session took place yesterday at the Swieqi United FC Club House, while the second is being held today at 9.30am at the St Klara Football Pitch, where participants will engage in hands-on coaching and refereeing exercises on the pitch.

Dr Justin Fenech, president of Swieqi United FC, said: “These training sessions form an important part of efforts to expand walking football in Malta while encouraging community participation and social interaction among older adults. Walking football is specifically designed to reduce the physical intensity of the sport, making it accessible to individuals who may have stopped playing football due to concerns about injury or fitness levels.”

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Beyond promoting physical activity, the Walk-Fit – Walking Football for Inclusion and Togetherness project seeks to tackle social isolation by creating opportunities for older adults to remain active and engaged within their communities. The initiative will also strengthen international collaboration by introducing walking football initiatives in Bologna, Italy, while expanding participation opportunities across Malta.

Walk Fit – Walking Football for Inclusion and Togetherness

As part of the project’s long-term goals, the coaches and referees who undergo the upcoming training will then help to deliver structured walking football sessions tailored to the needs of participants. An open day for those interested in taking up Walking Football will be held on 28 March with more details available soon. The programme will culminate in an international walking football tournament bringing together Maltese and Italian teams, with a strong focus on community spirit and intergenerational participation, including the involvement of families as supporters.

Individuals interested in attending the training sessions can register online at https://forms.gle/rU4JEWQtVqs8vBhA7

More information on the project can also be found on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582450765169 and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/walkfit2026/

Source: https://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2026-02-22/newspaper-lifestyleculture/Community-Walking-Football-initiative-launched-with-training-event-for-coaches-and-referees-6736287394