Parkinson’s UK signs deal with Walking Football Scotland
Parkinson’s UK and Walking Football Scotland are teaming up to grow the offer of Parkinson’s walking football sessions in Scotland.
Last week, with all the trappings of a club securing a new superstar, the partners signed an agreement at the national stadium, Hampden Park.
Women’s football legend Rose Reilly MBE was on hand to celebrate the deal along with representatives of Parkinson’s UK and Walking Football Scotland.
The agreement sets out how the two organisations will collaborate and share resources with a view to increasing access to walking football opportunities for people with Parkinson’s.
“We’ve seen interest in walking football really take off among people living with Parkinson’s in Scotland,” said Amanda McKay, Physical Activity Delivery Manager for Parkinson’s UK in Scotland.
“We’re now committing, through this new agreement, to support each other to make it possible for even more people with the condition to try walking football.
“Walking football is a fantastic way to keep active and can help people with Parkinson’s improve their balance, strength and coordination, and boost their physical and mental wellbeing.”
Last year saw the Celtic FC Foundation, Glasgow Life and Parkinson’s UK launch a programme of regular sessions in Glasgow.
Parkinson’s UK and Walking Football Scotland now hope to facilitate similar offerings in other areas, providing physical activity opportunities to the growing number of people living with Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, with almost 13,000 people living with the condition in Scotland. Parkinson’s UK estimates that, within five years, that number will have increased to around 15,000.
Kenny McLean, President of Walking Football Scotland, commented: “The slower version of the beautiful game has been around since 2012 and is now enjoyed by around 3,500 men and women throughout Scotland. We know of the physical, mental and social benefits it brings to those participants, so this partnership we are announcing will offer those benefits to people living with Parkinson’s.
“We will provide Parkinson’s UK with specially trained walking football coaches who will deliver sessions around Scotland offering physical activity in a safe environment.”
Former international player, Rose Reilly MBE, and patron of Walking Football Scotland, added: “This is a great delight to see Walking Football Scotland in partnership with Parkinson’s UK, enabling more men and women to get involved in physical activity.
“There should never have been any barriers in participating in the things you love to do and I for one fully support these steps to get people back playing football and reaping the many health and social benefits that walking football brings.”
Brian Carson, who is the Scotland Trustee for Parkinson’s UK and himself plays walking football, welcomed the formal partnership between the charity and Walking Football Scotland.
“Walking football is an important part of my own physical activity regime and helps in managing my condition. Taking part in the sessions provides physical benefits as well as having a positive impact on the mental health of participants through the social aspect of the sessions, and it is fun.
“This agreement between Parkinson ‘s UK and Walking Football Scotland is a great opportunity to make this activity and the benefits they provide available to more people with Parkinson’s across Scotland.”
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