Evesham United are looking to grow their Walking Robins section, inviting people of all ages and abilities to take up walking football at the Spiers & Hartwell Stadium. The club says the format offers the chance to play, or in some cases play for the first time, at what it describes as a more gentle, less fierce and slower pace than the conventional game.
Two training sessions run each week, with players welcome to attend either or both. Monday sessions take place from 1pm to 2pm (£3), while Thursday evening sessions run from 8.30pm to 9.30pm (£4). Those who progress can also step up to the club's League team, which competes once a month.
Current Walking Robins players range from their 50s to their 80s, with an average age in the early to mid-sixties. While sessions are currently men-only, Evesham are keen to recruit women over 40 to get involved, either within the men's teams or as part of a dedicated all-women's side.
The club points to several benefits of the format, saying walking football helps build strength and endurance and is suitable for people with osteoarthritis, joint problems or heart conditions who want to remain active. It also cites studies suggesting the game can help prevent falls in older adults by improving balance, coordination and muscle strength, adding simply that it is also "great FUN".
Anyone interested in joining is asked to contact Roger Lewis of Evesham Utd Walking Robins on 07765 616889, or the club secretary on 01386 442303. The initiative sits alongside other community strands at the Worcestershire club, which also runs women's, youth and disability teams at the Spiers & Hartwell Stadium.