Bradford City FC Community Foundation launches Parkinson's Walking Football sessions

Bradford City FC Community Foundation invites local people living with Parkinson's and other conditions which affect mobility to join their Parkinson’s Walking Football sessions - a completely free football experience aimed at providing engaging, accessible sport. The programme is funded by Parkinson’s UK, EFL in the Community and The FA with the aim of ensuring that anyone can enjoy the benefits of playing football.

The sessions will be delivered by the Foundation's team of qualified football coaches, and are held right next to the iconic University of Bradford Stadium at BEAP Community Partnership.

Supported by Parkinson’s UK and the English Football League (EFL) in the Community, the new sessions are designed to be a fun and friendly way for local people living with Parkinson’s or similar neurological conditions to get active. 

Experienced coaches are on hand to offer specially designed training drills and matches for all ages and abilities with a long-term health condition.   

No previous experience of walking football is required, and carers and relatives are also welcome to watch or join in. It is recommended to wear comfortable activewear and footwear for playing football and to bring a bottle of water.

Where: BEAP Community Partnership, 31 Cornwall Rd, Bradford BD8 7JN

When:  Every Friday, 11am - 12am

Cost: Free

The new sessions follow on from the Foundation's recent partnership with the walking football team which plays at the same venue on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and officially came under the BCAFC banner in June last year, supported by the Premier League Fans Fund.

How walking football can help people with neurological conditions 

Walking football can have many benefits for people living with neurological, or long term health conditions, including: 

• Better balance and coordination 

• Reduced risk of freezing and falls  

• Better cardiovascular health  

• Better energy levels and improved sleep patterns  

• Improved strength  

• More social interactions 

• Improved wellbeing and mental health

The sessions are free for all attendees - interested participants can complete the registration form, or get in touch with the Foundation team directly to sign up.

To find out more about the new walking football sessions, get in touch:

Email: bradleigh.pioli@bcfccommunity.co.uk

Telephone: 01274 706850

About EFL in the Community 

Established in 2008, EFL in the Community uses the power of sport to improve people's lives and make a positive contribution to communities across the country. It resources the group of 72 Clubs charities linked to each Football Club.

Focusing on creating healthier, stronger, more cohesive communities, the Football Club charities engaged over 1.1 million participants last season and generated a total of £1.24 billion worth of social value across the full range of community initiatives and programmes.