Free walking football taster for Swindon’s older residents

The Croft Sports Centre on Marlborough Lane, will be hosting a free walking football taster session on Monday 20 November at 10am.

The event is open to men and women aged 65 years and over and is being run as part of the Generation Gains scheme; a joint initiative between Swindon’s Better leisure centres and the Zurich Community Trust.

Generations Gains supports five apprentices who work and train at Better leisure centres in the town, gaining qualifications in health and fitness, leisure operations and sport coaching.  Part of the scheme’s remit sees the apprentices create and run activities designed to engage with older members of the community.

The two apprentices hosting the course will be 18 year old Stephanie Houston and 20 year old Tom Eagles who have recently completed a Wiltshire Football Association, Walking Football Activators Course.

Apprentice Stephanie Houston comments: “Completing the Walking Football Activators Course made me realise what a fun and exciting game walking football can be.  We’re hoping lots of local people will come along to our taster session and potentially then sign up to take part in our regular weekly walking football sessions."

Walking football aims to keep older people involved in the sport, when due to lack of mobility or for other reasons they are not able to play the traditional game. If a player runs, they concede a free kick to the opposing team. Walking football promotes cardiovascular fitness without stressing the body – helping people to improve their fitness and maintain an active lifestyle.

For more information or to sign up contact [email protected] or telephone 01793 618669.