Discover how the Palace For Life Foundation gives one walking footballer confidence and friendship
Since 2010, the Premier League and Professional Footballers’ Association’s Community Fund has enabled clubs across England and Wales to develop and deliver community programmes that are tailored to needs in their local area.
Here, we take a look at the incredible impact of some of these programmes.
Rosa (Crystal Palace)
The Palace For Life Foundation run weekly women’s Walking Football Sessions as part of its Palace Connectors programme, which aims to reduce social isolation, improve mental well-being and increase physical activity in South London.
One of the members of the Walking Football team is Rosa, who has been attending weekly football sessions since September 2022.
This is her story.
“I’m a mum of two with an Italian background and I live in south-east London.
“I have always enjoyed football but when I was growing up, there weren’t many opportunities for girls to play. I used to play with the boys in the playground but that’s as far as it went. I started looking for Walking Football for my husband as he has mobility difficulties.
“While searching for a sport for him, I discovered women’s Walking Football with Crystal Palace. I joined one session with a friend and loved it.
“I play most Thursday evenings and I absolutely love it. I enjoy playing with the other women who are inspirational.
I have a hearing impairment and my coach Mary has been brilliant. She helps me by explaining at the beginning of the session what drills we will be doing by using a whiteboard. She also comes up to me just to make sure I understand what we are doing.
“We train at the Crystal Palace Academy. I love walking into the dome – it feels so good to play in there. Being in the dome and knowing that you are part of a team in the Premier League means so much…
READ Rosa’s full story HERE: https://www.premierleague.com/news/3903409
Author: The Walking Football
You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!
