Wolves stars step up for walking football launch

Wolves Community Trust and home care service Secure Healthcare Solutions teamed up in a bid to bring walking football to the city.

Wolves stars Léo Bonatini, Ivan Cavaleiro, Ruben Vinagre and Roderick Miranda all got stuck in to the six-a-side low-impact sport to mark the partnership.

Central defender Miranda said: “I think it’s important for the people to do some exercise and not be at home, it’s a good idea.”

The sport, which can be played either indoors or outdoors, doesn’t allow running and only allows low impact tackling with the ball remaining below head height. It is aimed at those aged over 40 or with limited mobility who are looking to remain active.

One of those is Stuart Dudwell, 60, who has been playing for the last eight months after bouncing back from two hip replacements and battling through diabetes.

He said: ”I didn’t play for 22 years and this is a new lease of life.” He now plays at least four times a week."

Entrepreneur Robbie Steeles is the founder of Secure Healthcare Solutions, which offers a Home Care service to those with limited mobility, as well as to the elderly and children and adults with mental health problems or learning disabilities, through a variety of support.

This includes housekeeping, personal care, companionship, respite care and medication management.

He said: “We know first-hand how crucial it is for people’s health and wellbeing that they try to be as active and sociable as possible.

"Walking football is a great way to achieve both these and it is something that can be done by almost everyone.

"There are also many people in the city who live very isolated lives due to their limited mobility, so I’d definitely encourage them to get involved with walking football.”

Will Clowes, Wolves Community Trust general manager, said: “The trust supports the local community through delivering projects relevant to sport, health, education, inclusion and community donations.

"Each year, the projects delivered by Wolves Community Trust reach around 25,000 local residents of all ages, genders, socio-economic and ethnic demographics.

“Over 4,000 participants are engaged in sports programmes alone, with over 85 weekly sessions being delivered to the communities.

"Football is played by people of all ages and abilities, but as people get older they naturally become less mobile and that’s what’s so great about walking football.

"It’s the ideal activity for those who want to continue playing, being active and enjoying the beautiful game, but without the intensity and physical demands.”

The walking football sessions take place at Bert Williams Leisure Centre, The Dormston Centre and Wolverhampton College (Wellington Road Campus).

For further information on days and times contact Rachel Smith on rachelsmith@wolves.co.uk or call 01902 687038 or 07532 411 166.