FINGAL County Council recently completed its first walking football initiative in Balbriggan with another to start early this year.
The initiative is designed to encourage men and women over 50 of all fitness levels to keep active and enjoy playing football.
The game is played on a smaller pitch at walking pace. During the initiative in Balbriggan, there were 10 participants.
The sessions involved a warm-up consisting of different movements and stretches followed by approximately 40 minutes of game time.
Sports development officer with Fingal County Council, Ciaran Russell, said walking football is a great way for people to get back into sport and get involved in physical activity.
“Not only is it good to be active but this programme was great fun for all involved, with some healthy competition thrown in,” said Mr Russell.
“We are hoping to roll out different programmes designed to get people over 50 moving more and staying active in the future.”
Deputy Mayor of Fingal Cllr Grainne Maguire said: “I am delighted to see the community in Balbriggan involved in the walking football initiative.
“I would like to thank the Fingal Sports Office and FAI for their engagement with Balbriggan residents to organise an initiative that benefits the community’s health and wellbeing.”
FAI Development Officer Paul Keogh said: “It was great to see the interest in the walking football programme in Balbriggan with participants attending from surrounding towns of Rush, Lusk and Skerries.
“It is open to all men and women over the age of 50 and we look forward to delivering the programme again in early 2019.”
Chief executive of Fingal County Council Paul Reid commended the sports office, the FAI and the participants of the walking football initiative.
The programme will start again in the new year and will run for 4-6 weeks on Wednesdays at 11am in Flemington Community Centre.