Parkinson’s Walking Football in Edinburgh is a partnership with Walking Football Scotland, Hibernian Community Foundation and Parkinson’s UK.
When: Every Wednesday from 11am-12pm playing time, with refreshments served thereafter.
Where: World of Football, Corn Exchange, 10 New Market Rd, EH14 1RJ.
Branch stalwart Alison Williams has attended the sessions and provided us with her experience:
“The World of Football on a Wednesday morning plays host to a growing number of people with Parkinson’s, upwards of twenty of us of all ages and stages. After a warm-up the coaching team take us through exercises in ball control, dribbling and shooting, and multi-tasking (can you run across ladder steps on the ground while calling out the names of 80s pop bands?).
Then into teams and a game of walking football.
The rules are simple and strictly enforced, so there is no danger of people being hurt. The rules also are great levellers, meaning that people like me (I’ve never kicked a ball before in my life) are able to play on the same level as folk who tried out for First Division sides. It also means that people walking with sticks are equal to folk with very few visible signs of Parkinson’s – all levels of physical ability are able to join in and play.
Then tea, coffee, chocolate biscuits and chat.
There are Walking Football for Parkinson’s groups all round Scotland, and international tournaments as well.
It’s a great morning, combining physical activity, cognitive exercise, learning, camaraderie and sheer fun. I wouldn’t miss it for anything – join us!”
If you would like more information, contact Niamh Westwood: niamhw@hiberniancf.org or phone: 07450718702.