Remember the days when you went to the park and had a kickabout with your pals, imaging you were your favourite premier league player, scoring a hat trick in the Scottish Cup Final at Hampden in front of thousands of fans – and you even had your own special goal celebration!
There was no feeling like it – parents were delighted you were getting exercise and fresh air and for the Mums – out from under their feet!
With the growing popularity of walking football, men are getting the opportunity to relive those feelings over again – and it’s having a massive impact on their physical and mental health.
November marks Men’s Health Month – a global campaign designed to raise awareness of key health issues, particularly mental health and suicide prevention and cancer. The aim of the month is to encourage men to start conversations about their health, and to seek support if they need it.
In Lochaber, High Life Highland runs a mens walking football group in Fort William on Monday nights, led by Leisure Manager Gary Davidson.
“I started the walking football sessions about eight years ago and they’ve proved really popular and we would love to welcome new players,” said Gary.
“We have travelled to take part in tournaments and have welcomed visiting teams to Lochaber for games. It’s an incredibly fun and sociable way to keep active, with a great sense of camaraderie among the players. It is so important to keep active, not just for our physical health but also for our mental health.”
Walking football is for people age 50+ and is exactly what it sounds like – a standard game of football where players walk instead of run. It is designed to help people get fit or maintain an active lifestyle no matter what their age and fitness, as well as support people getting back into football if they have given it up due to age or injury.
Regular Fort William attendee Andy said: “I don’t feel like 60 when I’m playing,” and Thomas commented: “it makes me feel like I’m 21 again!”
Meanwhile Scott said: “it’s great exercise and a good laugh,” with Brian agreeing: “it’s fun and competitive at the same time.” Fellow team mate William added: “it’s a great reason to get out and valuable exercise for me.”
According to Walking Football Scotland, participants have reported many benefits such as being able to lower their heart rate and blood pressure, weight loss and improved mobility.
Walking football in Fort William takes place on Monday evenings from 7pm-8.30pm at the Lochaber Leisure Centre. For more information please call 01397 704359.
There’s a variety of ways that High Life Highland can help with health and wellbeing. Visit the website for more information or contact your local leisure centre.
