- The Walking Football Steering Group is chaired by Age & Opportunity and comprises representatives from Sport Ireland, the FAI, Healthy Ireland and the Irish Men’s Sheds Association
- Aims to grow participation in Walking Football nationwide for older adults
Walking Football is growing increasingly popular in Ireland in line with international trends. For older adults across the country, participation in Walking Football has boosted fitness levels and provided a great opportunity for social engagement.
A Steering Group has been established to examine arrangements for the development of Walking Football in Ireland. The Walking Football Steering Group will make strategic decisions about how walking football can best be played, administered and supported.
A key priority of the Steering Group is to grow participation in Walking Football with a view to enhancing the physical, mental and social wellbeing of participants.
Speaking about Walking Football, Age & Opportunity Active Programme Manager, Sue Guildea said: “It has been wonderful to see the growth in Walking Football in recent years. People who thought their football playing days were over, now have a chance to be part of a team again. The Walking Football Steering Group gives us a great opportunity to support the sustainable development of Walking Football in Ireland.”
The Steering Group is chaired by Age & Opportunity and comprises representatives from Sport Ireland, the FAI, Healthy Ireland and the Irish Men’s Sheds Association. Over the coming months, the Steering Group will undertake consultations with a wide range of stakeholders involved in Walking Football in Ireland including participants, football clubs, and agencies. Arrangements for the governance of Walking Football in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will also be examined.
Speaking about Walking Football, FAI Programme Coordinator, Simon Walsh said: “Football is for everyone, and taking part in Walking Football activities can have a positive impact on a participant’s physical and mental health, as well as their overall wellbeing. Walking Football can also provide those taking part with a sense of accomplishment, and being part of a group or club can foster a sense of belonging, which is crucial for those who may feel isolated as they get older. This Walking Football Steering Group aims to develop opportunities for participation and the growth of the game into the future.”
The desired outcomes from the Walking Football Steering Group include a centralised point of contact for information on Walking Football, standardised policies and procedures (including Health and Safety Guidelines, rules etc) and grassroots development (including coaching, referee training, blitzes and tournaments etc).
With these desired outcomes in mind, The Steering Group would like to hear from all those involved or wishing to get involved in the sport to better their understanding of the issues that might affect the development of the game in Ireland.
If you would like to share any feedback or comments, please click https://bit.ly/WalkingFootballIreland and you will be taken to an anonymous form.
