Walking football kicks off again in Clydach Vale

A popular walking football group is playing again in the Rhondda and making a net difference to the participants’ mental and physical health.

The Cambrian Village Trust walking football project has been led by volunteer coach Rob Jones since its inception in early 2018. Around 20 people were regularly taking part but when the pandemic struck, the games had to be put on hold and the group kept in touch with regular text messages.

Now with restrictions lifted, the project has kicked off again and the group are playing every Sunday from 11am – 12pm on the 3G pitch at the Cambrian Village Trust in Clydach Vale with players already reporting benefits.

Mr Jones, 59, from Tonypandy, said, “It’s great that walking football is back with revived acquaintances and new people coming along as it is evident what a positive impact it makes on both physical and mental health.

“The group is open to everyone of all ages and offers the opportunity to connect people while improving well-being and fitness levels. The spirits are raised and it has been heartening to hear the uplifting difference it is making to so many of our participants.”

Walking football is recommended by healthcare professionals to improve physical health and mental wellness and the Cambrian group is open to everyone whether they have played football before or not.

People from across Rhondda Cynon Taf and further afield including Cardiff, Merthyr and Port Talbot have taken part in the sessions which cost just £3.

Although it is aimed more at the over 50s, there is a mixture of age ranges taking part from teenagers to the oldest current player who is 72.

Huw Jones, 63, joined the walking football group after being diagnosed with diabetes and realising he needed to change his lifestyle.

He said, “I was a very unhealthy 20 stones in weight and knew I need to kick my poor diet into touch and start exercising slowly. Walking football combines my love of football and healthy outdoor exercise with a great bunch of like-minded individuals.

“I now weigh under 15 stones and can’t wait for Sunday mornings, rain, hail or sunshine, to be part of such a welcoming, friendly group. It’s so worth the effort.”

Fellow player Tyrone Griffiths, 51, said it’s a great way of keeping fit and improving your mental health.

He said, “The walking football sessions have it all - fun, fitness, and meeting new people. It's a really friendly group and you are guaranteed a very warm welcome. Your personal football skills are irrelevant here so there is no pressure. I travel a 44 mile round trip every Sunday morning to take part and honestly it's worth every mile'. Each session provides a warm up exercise and simple football drills before a game is played on a first class pitch which has floodlights to ensure the team can play throughout the winter.

The walking football group was developed as part of a healthy project led by Cambrian Village Trust called ‘Strive and Thrive’ and one its main aims was to encourage people of all ages and abilities to engage in sport.

Sally Fowler, Community Development Partnership Manager at Cambrian Village Trust said, “Many hadn’t heard of walking football but the sessions have changed ideas and lives. Many voices had previously voiced opinions such as: I always thought that it was for fit young men and I don’t have the energy anymore.

“However, now it is a case that a number of people are no longer on the side lines, they are on the pitch, enjoying the team camaraderie and improving their physical and mental health’. The activity is part of a range of services in the community that are being highlighted as part of Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board’s #YourLocalTeam campaign. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the range of professionals and activities in the community that can help patients without the need to go to the GP. To join the Cambrian group please ring 01443 433853 or email info.villagetrust@yahoo.com (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm). For further activities available in the area please visit www.taffelycluster.com

*For further information please contact Alison Watkins on 07854 386054 or email info@alisonwatkinscommunications.com