EFDN and nine clubs of their network organised a webinar to present their local plans and discuss the new Walking Football campaign.
The Walking Football League is a pan-European programme aiming to deliver the benefits of a physically active lifestyle to people over the age of 50. It promotes healthy eating habits, an active social life and most importantly the presence of physical activity – through football, of course.
The Walking Football League webinar held on 28 June 2021, shone light on the progress of nine project partners (Valerenga Fotball, Ferencvarosi TC, Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Rangers Charity Foundation, Fundacao Benfica, Real Betis Balompie Foundation, Schalke 04, Greenock Morton FC & Newcastle United Foundation) who have come together to materialize the campaign that runs from January 2021 to June 2023. It was conducted by EFDN’s International Project Manager Martyn Rijkhoff.
The partners demonstrated their presentations – beginning with Budapest-based Ferencvarosi TC, which gave an insight on the club’s intention to conduct an inclusive campaign encompassing fans other than the club’s own. Long time Walking Football member Valerenga presented its plan for potential improvements (to include women, increase number of tournaments etc.) through different implementation phases and training programs.
This was followed by the other participating clubs – all delivering the implementation of a local Walking Football tournament through an explanation of its structure. The interactive session continued with a discussion on the next steps to be taken for facilitating the projects in the different countries.
Newcastle United Foundation are very excited about the new Walking Football league with EFDN. This will give our own participants the opportunity to compete against one another in a league format as well having the opportunity to represent Newcastle United Foundation internationally.
Thomas Graham, Health and Wellbeing Senior Project Officer-Newcastle United Foundation
We believe entering this league will bring better structure and opportunities for our participants. We also look forward to adapting to the European Walking Football rules and of course learning and engaging with our new partners through EFDN.
Overall, the webinar played an essential role in bringing together all project partners and provided a stage to share their respective inputs.
Find out more regarding Walking Football League by downloading the EFDN Practitioner’s Guide here.
