Walking Football arrives in Emsworth!

Havant Borough Council, together with the Havant Sport and Physical Activity Alliance are supporting new fun, walking football sessions in Emsworth.

The football sessions are aimed at those who have probably not played for quite a time but would relish the chance to play again. It could also appeal to those who would just like to get fitter in an outside environment, meet new people and have fun.

The aim of walking football is to help people to continue an active lifestyle, especially those who may have suffered injuries to continue playing the game. The sessions are intended to help players with Walking Football arrives in Emsworth! their balance and co-ordination and encourage individuals to come along and socialise with other likeminded people. There is no need to pre-book, simply just bring yourself, a drink and a pair of trainers.

Walking Football is a new concept on the traditional game that the Football Association has supported with the launch just three months ago, of a Walking Football Scheme. Walking Football is designed primarily for those aged 50+ who wish to play football in a format that enables them to do so. The rules used are similar to those for five a-side football, with one key difference - no running!

The sessions are held every Tuesday at Emsworth Recreation Ground, Horndean Road, PO10 7PT from 5-6pm, and are open to all residents of Havant Borough. The first session is free, after which there is a joining fee of £10.00 and a £3 match fee.

Our intrepid sports correspondent Tim Randall returned to his football roots at Emsworth ‘Common’ to report on this new element of the game.

When I arrived at the Recreation Ground the pitch had been already been set up by the organisers Innovations Fitness and a warm welcome was provided by ‘Topsy’ Turner. In no time there were enough takers for two five aside teams. After a fun warm-up session and a quick résumé of the rules we were playing. Each team had one lady in the line-up. The banter was fun silky skills soon flowed back. In what seemed like no time at all (but actually 1 hour later) the final whistle sounded. I was exhausted a feeling that seemed to be shared by all.

After the session organiser Topsy Turner said ‘It is very encouraging that so many have turned up this evening. The signs are that interest is already growing’.

Emsworth resident Graham Wilson told me ‘I came to the first session last week. It’s great fun and I enjoy the fact that it is really competitive, just as I remember from when I used to play. I would say to anyone thinking about it – come and give it a go!’ Sabina Jerram, one the ladies participating, gave the match a topical air as she is from Germany and had shared in a lot of the evenings good humoured banter. She said: “That was fun and my first ever game of football. I’ll be back.”

It was clear that everyone had found it strenuous and enjoyable. I turned for home feeling tired but exhilarated and reflecting on how much I had enjoyed the thrill of playing football again. I will be back for more.

For details about playing, contact George 'Topsy' Turner on 07730 787303 or either info@innovationsfitness.co.uk, Imogen Dawson on 023 9244 6228 or at imogen.dawson@havant.gov.uk

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