The growth of walking football in Wales will be shown this weekend when Cwmbran hosts a large walking football festival.
Around thirty teams from across Gwent and the wider region will visit the new 3G pitch in Llantarnam on Sunday 31 August for a day of fun, music and sport. The day will also launch a new Gwent Walking Football League.
Anyone is welcome to go there between 10am and 4pm and find out about the various social and competitive teams you can get involved in.
It’s being organised by Cwmbran Celtic FC, who set up a walking football section just over a year ago. The club has seen firsthand how popular the sport is with their new sides attracting over 100 members.
Llantarnam 3G has been chosen as it has four pitches marked out for walking football.
Cwmbran Celtic
Nick Beckett, chair of Cwmbran Celtic’s Walking Football section, who is a qualified coach and has represented Wales Over 50’s and 60’s Walking Football teams, is a strong advocate for the benefits of the sport.”
Cwmbran Celtic is working closely with the Football Association of Wales (FAW), Gwent Walking Football League and Caldicot Town AFC to drive greater participation in the sport.
Nick added: “Although walking football can be played by anyone, it is perfect for older people and particularly for people with mobility issues, who, regardless of their level of fitness or condition, want a moderate-intensity physical activity to keep them active and safe,” he said.
“We all know that regular physical activity is essential for good health. Walking football, with its many health, social and economic benefits, offers older people an effective way of staying active and improving their well-being.
“Walking football is designed to be responsive to the specific circumstances and needs of older participants, with an age-appropriate, player-centred approach which focuses on fun and safety.”
Walking football allows participants to maintain an active lifestyle in a fun, social setting. The sport can give health benefits for people who are overweight or have mobility issues, dementia, hypertension, cancer or type two diabetes.