Eleven regulars are currently attending the free, weekly 60-minute session funded by Parkinson’s UK, organised in conjunction with Bolton NHS, at Bolton Arena.
Gerry Barker, a 78-year-old participant from Sharples, said: “Every session gives me something to look forward to.
“The movement helps me stay flexible and balanced.
“The camaraderie lifts my spirits more than I can say.
“There’s a real sense of belonging on the pitch, no judgement, just encouragement and shared joy. Walking football is brilliant.
“I leave each session feeling grateful for the friends and fitness it has brought me.”
His wife Julie said: “Walking football has been an absolute game-changer for my husband.
“Living with Parkinson’s, and any other neurological problems, can make it hard to stay active and social, but this sport has given him both back in a way I never expected.
“It’s designed perfectly for people like Gerry, slower paced, safe and inclusive, yet still full of fun, laughter and teamwork.”
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that causes brain damage over time.
Symptoms include tremors, slow movement and muscle stiffness.
Others can include depression, anxiety and an increased risk of falls.
The sessions, organised by Bolton Arena’s football manager Marcus Brown, include a meet and greet, a warm-up, shooting and passing drills, and a small-sided game.
Mr Brown said: “It’s just like any other walking football session we hold, but it’s amazing to see the difference between the players before and during the session.
“When you see the footballers walking from the reception area to the outdoor pitches, they kind of shuffle along.
“It takes quite a long time, but when they’re actually playing on the pitch it’s like they’re a different person.
“The exercise supresses the Parkinson’s, which is so great to see.”
He was inspired to start the session after speaking to his former boss and mentor at the old Burnden Park Leisure Centre, a former army PT instructor, who was diagnosed with the disease in his late 60s.
Mr Brown said: “I thought, we have a walking football programme, but what more can we do?
“So, I got in touch with Bolton NHS, and we introduced the session through their database.”
All 11 regulars are former amateur footballers, but Mr Brown said the session is open to anyone with Parkinson’s, regardless of experience or age.
Wayne Jenkins, 64, from Horwich, said: “The Parkinson’s walking football gives us safe opportunities to exercise, keep active and certainly helps with balance.
“On the social front, it allows us to meet new people with the same diagnosis and helps with feelings of isolation.
“I really enjoy the sessions – I just wish more people would be involved.”
Organisers hope to eventually form a team to play against Parkinson’s walking football groups in Blackburn and Liverpool.
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Stuart Kay, head of sports and communities at Bolton Arena, said: “There are some longer established groups nationwide and there is a Parkinson’s England six-a-side team.
“We hope to organise a tournament at some time in the future and there is talk of a league programme.
“We’re not quite there yet, but we will be.”
For more information about walking football, and joining the Parkinson’s session, contact 01204 488106 or email [email protected].
This was shown first on: https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/25638399.bolton-arena-hosts-football-game-men-parkinsons/
