Parkinson’s specialist physiotherapist Joanna Eastough on her work with walking football teams at grassroot level and internationally
Walking football is a slower, modified version of the sport, which is ideal for older adults or those with mobility issues. Four years ago, I was invited to support Worcester student Issey Lee Fisher’s dissertation project and Neuro Walking Football Worcestershire. That’s when our team Movers & Shakers was born.
Who would have thought that a neuro physiotherapist would be out on the football pitch making a difference like her MSK counterparts? But I was, working alongside non clinical individuals with a passion to succeed together.
Our inclusivity ethos, complementation of skills and collaborative knowledge proved to be invaluable to training and supporting players holistically. While I provided condition specific medical advice and education, Issy provided technical and coaching education.
Joanna Eastough
While the Walking Football Association (WFA) rules facilitate a safe environment to play, the camaraderie, support and fun shared between players had the greatest impact on wellbeing. As participant Graham Warner stated: ‘Once the boots are on and with a great bunch of players, I found that my Parky issues disappear. The time on the pitch and getting together afterwards has changed my life for the better.’
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I later joined the first England WFA Parkinson’s Walking Football team, becoming part of a football family committed to raising awareness nationally and internationally.
My physiotherapy role diversified to support setting up new teams, educating new coaches, students and people living with Parkinson’s at home and abroad. The players inspired me.
Annie Booth, the team’s only woman, shared my vision and values for supporting others, so we set up the Parkinson’s Pioneers women’s walking football community in 2023 with coach Gemma Darvill. Our MDT model worked, the Pioneers community flourished and last September together we formed the first Women’s England WFA Parkinson’s Walking Football team.
This achievement is a powerful testament to the strength of working together and breaking new ground in neuro physiotherapy practice.
Joanna Eastough is a Parkinson’s specialist physiotherapist
Source: https://www.csp.org.uk/frontline/article/walking-sunshine-feel-good-factor-walking-football
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