Walking Football Kicks Off in Kettering

Football players who think their playing days are behind them should think again.
Kettering Borough Council and Northamptonshire F.A. have teamed up with Kettering Arena and Kettering Football Club to organise a new weekly indoor Walking Football session at Kettering Arena every Tuesday, 10.30am till 11.30am. The course is aimed at people aged over 50 or for people with restricting health conditions.

Walking Football is a non-contact activity where any player who sprints, runs or jogs while the ball is in play concedes a free-kick to the other team.

This new activity is designed to help residents maintain an active lifestyle despite their age and to encourage older people who may have had to stop taking part in sports to become active again by playing football.

Head of Public Services, Shirley Plenderleith said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for people in the Kettering Borough to get involved in football and improve their health and wellbeing. This version of football will give them the chance to play again and make new friends. It may be a little slower than traditional football but the same principles of passing, shooting and tackling still apply”.

Portfolio Holder for Public Services, Councillor Jan Smith said: “Kettering Borough Council launched Walking Football at Desborough Leisure Centre 18 months ago and it has been a huge success. The feedback we have had from the participants was to look at organising another session and this time we have been working with Kettering Arena as they were keen to support us with Walking Football”.

Brian Parton of Rothwell said: "I have played walking football before and I really enjoy the slower pace of the game and I have improved my fitness and become a lot fitter. The aim is not to improve my football skills but to just enjoy playing football and hopefully make new friends in the process”.

The sessions cost £2.50 per person or £1.25 for Kettering Leisure pass members. For further information contact Steven Edwards, Community Services Officer on 01536 534170

Walking Football has seen tremendous growth across Northamptonshire recently. We now estimate that over 300 players of varying ages and ability don their kit and enjoy a game every week. If you want to join them, simply click here to see the full range of sessions available.

Northamptonshire FA is also keen to hear from clubs and organisations wishing to start up their own session. Please contact Stuart Smith, Football Development Officer on 01604 678409 or email stuart.smith@northamptonshirefa.com for more information on the support available.

Related News

View All