Newton Abbot Walking Football Friday are celebrating their one-year anniversary and in that time, they’ve gone from strength to strength.

With membership numbers ballooning as high as 64 in less than 12 months, the group are offering a wide range of people with a much needed social and physical boost.

The benefits of walking football include and are not exclusive to cardiovascular health, balance, retaining muscle strength, a means of reducing stress and alleviating worries and it of course allows for a feeling of community as well.

Chair and WFF League Organiser Paul Morrison highlighted that the “group loves the social, competitive and friendly way we play.”

Newton Abbot Walking Football Friday

Stuart West meanwhile, a committed member and organiser, told the Mid-Devon Advertiser that “Everybody is doing it for different reasons, whether it be for physical health or for mental health reasons.

“Some people don’t really see anyone all week so it helps with loneliness and it keeps you moving and active.”

Their rough age range is from 55 to 78 and whilst it is predominantly men involved, there are a handful of women who attend too.

On Friday, June 26, the WFF group held their first competition at “the best facilities in Devon” with teams from Torbay United and Exeter Strollers coming along. The success is evident from the fact that there are another couple of similar events on the horizon in the next month or two.

The standard sessions run from 11:15 to 12:30 every Friday at the Devon FA headquarters, Coach Road, in Newton Abbot.

“MIND, KingsCare and our friends at Pro Direct Soccer have been really supportive, but more sponsors would be brilliant,” said Paul.

If you are interested in getting involved with sponsorship, in joining the group or would just like more information, please contact Paul Morrison via email (Paulmorrison2003@hotmail.com) or mobile 07766770764.

Source: https://www.middevonadvertiser.co.uk/sport/football/newton-abbot-walking-football-group-going-from-strength-to-strength-924145