My name is Dr Ali Ahmed and I am an Internal Medicine Physician in the NHS and the medical member of the FA Walking Football advisory group. I first developed an interest in walking football through my previous roles as a health ambassador promoting wellbeing in young people and this led to an opportunity to become involved in the advisory group. As a health advocate with a focus on addressing health inequalities I am passionate about creating positive change and helping deliver improved health outcomes by addressing the social and wider determinants of health.
Walking football is a modified slower paced and low impact form of association football making it accessible to people of all ages as well as those with chronic health conditions. Here are ten health benefits of getting involved in walking football:
- Score on health - Walking football is a great way to improve your physical health. Physical activity has significant health benefits for hearts, bodies and minds and can contribute to preventing and managing cardiovascular diseases, various types of cancer, diabetes and obesity. One study carried out in men over 50 showed that participating in a 12 week walking football programme produced favourable changes in several anthropometric and fitness parameters which were key risk factors for heart disease [1].
- Kick loneliness aside - Waking football is a social team sport. By joining a team you’ll meet new people and form lasting friendships reducing the risk of loneliness and social isolation.
- Walk your way to a sharper mind - Physical activity such as walking football enhances thinking, learning and judgement skills in all ages as well ensuring healthy growth and development in young people.
- Breaking barriers and embracing inclusivity - Walking football is uniquely positioned to welcome people of all ages, abilities, fitness levels and genders to play together in the same game. It can help to overcome barriers to physical activity such as lack of confidence, physical limitations including those with life limiting conditions as well as shorter term conditions.
- Goal for the soul - It’s a great way of improving your mental health. A study published this year showed that physical activity such as walking football can be 1.5 times more effective in treating mild-moderate depression, anxiety and psychological distress compared with usual care such as counselling and medications [2].
- Low impact + bone boosting - The low impact nature of walking football will protect your joints, improve bone and functional health and keep you playing the beautiful game for longer.
- Fun + Friendly - It’s a fun filled way of exercising for both recreational and competitive players. The camaraderie and social spirit of the game make it an excellent way of having fun whilst staying active.
- Stay safe and play on - Walking football is safe and efficacious especially for those with various exercising limiting chronic diseases. It also has a lower rate of exercise related injuries and adverse events which makes it a great option for people of all ages and abilities.
- Stay strong + steady with better balance - It can help you maintain your muscle strength, making you more stable and improving your balance and coordination. In older adults this can reduce the risk of falls, hip and vertebral fractures.
- Find peace on the pitch - The benefits of walking football positively impact on overall well-being from reducing your stress levels, enhancing sleep quality and improving your confidence and self esteem.
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References:
- Arnold, J. T., Bruce-Low, S., & Sammut, L. (2018). The impact of 12 weeks walking football on health and fitness in males over 50 years of age. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine.
- Singh B, Olds, T, Curtis T et al (2023). Effectiveness of physical activity interventions for improving depression, anxiety and distress: an overview of systematic reviews. British Journal of Sports Medicine.