As Euro 2024 fever sweeps England, people living with Parkinson’s are reaping the benefits of enjoying the sport at a slower pace – by playing walking football.
Running is banned and one foot must remain in contact with the ground under rules established when the slower game was invented in 2011.
Thousands of men and women typically in their 40s and 50s now take part at clubs across the country.
Some, like 57-year-old Annie Booth, find the regular exercise and team spirit help them cope with long-term health conditions.
She said: “On your worst day with Parkinson’s it can feel like all the sunshine has been removed from your brain. Taking part in a team sport gives you back motivation to keep living a life that is positive and joyful…”
“Parkinson’s can be an unforgiving and relentless condition affecting my ability to move, do the simplest of tasks that we all take for granted – walk, think clearly, eat, sleep. It is all affected by having Parkinson’s and is unpredictable.
“Walking football has helped improve my stability, balance, and core strength, and learning a new skill has given me a feeling of belonging to something, reduces isolation and has brought me friendship and laughter…”
Walking football is usually played with teams of six on small pitches with small goals. The slower pace and reduced contact minimises risk of injury.
Annie is passionate about encouraging more women to take up the sport. Last year, she started Parkinson’s Pioneers, the first walking football team catering exclusively to women living with the condition.
She added: “My one abiding rule to myself and to all of our players is that we all enjoy the experience and, no matter the result, with hope and optimism in our back pocket, we will achieve far more than I ever dreamed of just a year ago.”
Annie shared her experience in support of We Are Undefeatable, a national campaign which encourages people with a range of long term health conditions to find ways to be active.
FULL STORY at source: https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1923023/parkinsons-disease-walking-football-england
Author: The Walking Football
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