Our Engagement: Walking Football Group

Written by Louise Dewhurst

We were kindly invited to attend the Walking Football Group that takes place on a Wednesday morning at Pendle Leisure Centre.

I was looking for an activity to take the third-year medical students to. They spent four weeks at Healthwatch Lancashire, learning about all aspects of our work. Having heard great things about this group led by Ady Lamb, Health and Wellbeing Coach, I was keen to visit the group and take the students along.

The Group was made up of men of varying ages, young and old and one lady participant apart from myself and the two female medical students – Girl Power!!

Ady, who leads the activity, explained to me and the students how people accessed this activity – he explained that most of the group are referrals through the social prescribers however, there are a few of the group that just turn up at the leisure centre to attend the group.

The session began with a presentation to a young lad who has been an inspiration to the group as he has had various health issues and struggled to access Football that was accommodating to his needs, which this group is. They presented him with a football kit and trophy.

Ady explained the rules of the game to us as they are somewhat different to an ordinary game of football. We all then donned our bright orange or blue bibs and were made aware of our positions within the 6-a-side team.

Ady explained that the main objective of the session was to make people laugh and smile. “This is a light-hearted activity and not competitive ……”

The group can boast about many success stories because of attending the Walking football group. One gentleman, when he first started coming to the group, was very anxious and quiet. He has since grown in confidence and been successful in securing employment.

One of the participants at the walking football who I spoke to explained that he had started up a croquet group in Earby, and he had been successful in achieving funding to secure the continuation of this activity. This demonstrates the confidence that this activity has instilled in its members.

“Walking Football has great benefits from a non-medical intervention it helps build confidence, fitness, weight loss and tackle social isolation”. Adrian Lamb

It was a very enjoyable activity to be involved with, however, it made me realise how unfit I am!!!!

At the end of each quarter, we had a short break, so we had the opportunity to speak to the guys and hear their stories.

One gentleman explained how he was a carer for his wife who had dementia. He loved attending the walking football as a chance to engage with other people who have become his friends and for an hour not worry about his caring responsibilities.

The end of the session was rounded off with another presentation – Man of the Match or, in this case, Women of the Match.

One of the medical students was picked for this award because she had managed to score a couple of goals. Both medical students enjoyed taking part in the session and chatting to the men who were grilling them about their ailments!!

This is a great example of the work of Social Prescribers and the improvements that they can bring to people.