A COVENTRY GAA club has launched a new service directed at getting older men and those suffering with Dementia back into football.
In association with Sky Blues in the Community, the charitable arm of Coventry Football Club, St Finbarrs Sport and Social Cub will offer a Walking Football session once a week.
The initiative, which is becoming increasingly popular across Britain, offers a slow-paced version of the beautiful game, which is designed to help people have an active lifestyle regardless of their age and ability.
Earlier this year St Finbarrs became the first sports club to support the Irish in Britain charity’s Cuimhne campaign, which is concerned with tackling Dementia among the Irish across Britain.
In September they hosted the first Cuimhne Cup — a national nine-a-side tournament for over 45s —which is set to remain a regular feature for the community.
Regarding the new Coventry scheme, which was launched at St Finbarr’s on December 4, David Busst, Director of Sky Blues in the Community, said: ‘SBitC were keen to bring the increasingly popular walking football to Coventry after some initial enquiries from the 50+ age group of CCFC supporters.”
He added: “Our partnership with St Finbarr’s GAA has enabled us to use a local facility for this activity and all members of the community will be welcome. The sessions are for all abilities who would like the opportunity to get active and play football and with the added value of socialising with some like-minded people and also meet and chat with former CCFC players to share memories from the past.’
St Finbarr’s Walking Football session will run at their Holbrook Lane site every Thursday from 10.30am until noon for adults aged 50 and over. Each session costs £3, which includes refreshments.
For further information contact Sky Blues in the Community on 02476 786314 or email [email protected]
