‘For all women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment’ is the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day, and walking footballer Jo Harwood has shown that sport and physical exercise is nothing if not inclusive of all genders, ages, religions, and backgrounds.
Jo, aged 70, was convinced her retirement would lead to inaction, but the past decade has enlightened the former Preston North End Ladies player to the ample opportunities available for retirees, or for those who face barriers to engaging in regular exercise, including walking football.
“When I hit retirement age, I wanted to keep fit as I had lived a very active lifestyle being a former footballer,” said Jo.
“I never thought I’d be doing this at my age; I thought I’d be sat at home doing nothing, but instead, I’m keeping fit while making new friends and reconnecting with some old friends.”
Jo discovered the weekly sessions, which include women’s only coaching on Thursday evenings, after seeing the variation shared via the Preston North End (PNE) Community and Education Trust’s website.
Following its inception, PNE’s walking football programme has attracted circa 40-50 participants each week, with many having returned for numerous years.
Since her finding ten years ago, Jo has achieved new milestones, from earning her first cap for England women’s over-60s team to travelling overseas to drop in on the Madeira Walking Football team; the active lifestyle she led was in no way impeded by her age, much like her fellow teammates…
READ MORE at source: https://www.efl.com/news/2025/march/08/former-pne-ladies-player-revels-in-retirement-thanks-to-walking-football/
Author: The Walking Football
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