Walking football is enjoyed by both men and women over the age of 50
Every week, a group of over 50s in West Belfast meet up to socialise and keep healthy by playing an accessible sport many people may not know about,
Danderball, also known as walking football, is similar in many ways to the beautiful game – except players walk instead of run, and tackling is prohibited. It’s used to encourage those aged 50 and older to get back into team sports and has a number of positive benefits on health and wellbeing, including reducing isolation.
A team from the nearby Healthy Living Centre called The BraveHEARTS meet every Friday morning at Grosvenor Recreation Centre to play the sport. There are currently around 16 players on the team and they are all aged between 50 to 80.
WATCH the video HERE: https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/sport/other-sport/danderball-sport-helping-over-50s-28871965
We headed to the pitch on Friday morning to see The BraveHEARTS take on the official IFA Danderball team, and to learn more about the sport as well as the many benefits it has for its players.
Speaking to Belfast Live, Siobhan Skates from the Heart Project at the Healthy Living Centre said the sport, which is open to all men and women aged over 50, has been a great way for people to get involved in sport.
She said: “It’s the beautiful game at a slower pace. People love interacting with other people, and in a team sport, especially for guys who’ve been playing for all their lives and have had to slow down for whatever reason, it’s a great option for people who want to enjoy a sport at a slower pace.”
One of the players, Gerry, played in the Irish League when he was younger and thought his football days were behind him. However, he said danderball has given him a new lease of life…
READ MORE at source: https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/sport/other-sport/danderball-sport-helping-over-50s-28871965
Author: The Walking Football
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