Walsall FC walking football club helps friendship blossom
Friendship is blossoming across the Black Country thanks to a walking football club trying to bring together its isolated neighbours.
More than 50 residents at risk of social isolation have joined the club after it won almost £10,000 of funding from the Big Lottery Fund a year ago.
Mike Banks has been enjoying weekly sessions of the beautiful game, ran by Walsall FC community programme, for the past two years.
The 60-year-old said: "I suffered a heart attack four years ago and had to have triple bypass heart surgery, which really limited what exercise I could do.
"Before coming here, I kept fit by going to the gym, but it was really boring as all I could go on was the bike. It’s fantastic here and we have such good banter between us."
About 20 residents from across the town come together at Banks Stadium to enjoy walking football - an adapted and slower version of the sport - each Friday.
The club attracts men and women over 50, which includes the eldest member aged 87, looking to bond with fellow players and improve their health.
Walsall resident Mr Banks added: "It’s great being on the move doing something different and beats sitting at home on my own. I’m diabetic and the exercise really helps to control the disease.
"Not only have I improved my fitness and lost two stone in weight, I’ve also met new people in a similar situation to me and had the opportunity to represent Walsall FC in tournaments.
"I’ve supported them since I was five, so I’m really proud of this accomplishment."
The Big Lottery Fund is responsible for dishing out 40 per cent of cash raised by National Lottery players to good causes across the country.
Last year, almost £713 million was awarded to support nearly 14,000 projects focusing on areas including health, education, environment in the UK.
Assistant community officer at Walsall FC Chris Springthorpe said he was grateful for the funding, adding: "The [walking football] players have formed strong friendships both on and off the pitch, with some engaging in other activities outside of the session.
"We’re very proud that the project is tackling social isolation and helps to improve mental and physical wellbeing throughout the Walsall community."
England grant making director at Big Lottery Fund James Harcourt said he was pleased the funding helping the group to combat social isolation in the town.
He added: "We’re delighted to be supporting this walking football club to bring people together in Walsall.
"It’s great to see National Lottery funding helping to combat isolation by creating opportunities for people to come together, have fun and improve their wellbeing.”
