Walking football sessions for over-50s are providing a boost to mental health and wellbeing, camaraderie between players, and a space to meet new people in Tranent.

Meeting every Wednesday at Foresters Park, the group has proven a success over the past decade and has now been given a cash boost.

It is open to men and women aged 50 and above at a cost of £3 per session, with the first week free of charge.

Participants are asked to bring comfortable clothing suitable for playing outdoors, trainers with good grip for the pitch and a bottle of water.

Meeting every Wednesday at Foresters Park, the group has proven a success over the past decade and has now been given a cash boost.
It is open to men and women aged 50 and above at a cost of £3 per session, with the first week free of charge.
Participants are asked to bring comfortable clothing suitable for playing outdoors, trainers with good grip for the pitch and a bottle of water. — Pic credit: Tranent walking football group

Willie Gilhooley, one of the organisers, encouraged people to head along and reap the benefits.

He said: “It’s great for mental health and wellbeing, and great for camaraderie – the craic’s pretty good.

“We’ve had a lot of people signposted to us and we can see it makes a difference as well.”

A relaxed session is held from 6.30pm to 7.30pm, followed by an hour of more competitive playing.

The walking football group received a £500 donation from Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council to help with facility hire costs throughout the year.

Source: https://www.eastlothiancourier.com/news/26131585.tranent-walking-football-group-scores-over-50s/