Walking football kicks off at Bro Dysynni Leisure Centre
Walking Football is a new sport recently introduced to leisure centres in Gwynedd where older players can get fit playing the ‘beautiful game’.
The activity which is now available at Tywyn’s Bro Dysynni Leisure Centre helps to improve your cardio vascular fitness, increase muscle strength and joint mobility, increases concentration skills or simply a chance to relive those glory days.
Walking Football is ideally for men and women aged 50+ and can be played regardless of physical ability and experience. The rules are the same as five-a-side except there is no running or slide tackling.
Thomas Harvey, who is an instructor at Bro Dysynni Leisure Centre, said: “When people first hear about Walking Football, they assume that it will be played at a snail’s pace and lack the excitement of the traditional game but they are usually in for a pleasant surprise.
“The task of passing the ball accurately between team mates without being able to run provides players with both mental and physical challenges. Some of the league teams such as Bury use walking football with their youth teams as a way to improve passing skills and positioning on the pitch.”
Bro Dysynni Leisure Centre in Tywyn hold a session every Wednesday between 11.30am and 12.30pm at a cost of £2.
Councillor Mair Rowlands, Gwynedd Council Cabinet Member for Healthy Gwynedd added: “There are many older adults who retain a love of sport, and in particular football, but feel that they are unable to participate in traditional programs due to falling health and fitness levels.
“Establishing Walking Football in Gwynedd has the potential to attract a great mix of people to get together for some fitness and fun, and doesn’t matter if you’ve never played before, I think it’s worth giving it a try.”
For more information contact Gwynedd Council’s Bro Dysynni Leisure Centre on 01654 711763.
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