Award-winning charity Sport Aberdeen is excited to announce alongside North East Active Parkinson’s Group, Parkinson’s UK, Robert Gordon University, and AFC Community Trust a new Walking Football session for those living with Parkinson’s.
The inaugural session took place from 1100 to 1230 at Get active @ Kincorth sports hall on Friday 9 February.
As of this Friday, the programme will move to the 3G pitch at Adventure Aberdeen Snowsports for a further three weeks beginning on 1 March, again from 1100 to 1230.
The programme gives a great chance for those with Parkinsons to stay active which is proven to slow the disease process and help with pain.
Andrinne Craig, Healthy Communities Manager at Sport Aberdeen, said: “We are delighted to be working alongside our partners to bring walking football to a new group of players in Aberdeen.
“Being regularly active is beneficial in helping manage some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s and it’s great to be adding a team sport to our programme which will offer camaraderie and peer support.
“It is our hope that the pilot programme will help break down barriers and ensure everyone in Aberdeen, regardless of their health, can get active and connect with others in the same position as themselves.”
Gary Laing at North East Active Parkinson's Group, said: “As someone who has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s since 2016 I am aware of the importance of regular exercise, I am keen, along with other members of the North East Active Parkinson’s (NEAP) group, to support these walking football sessions and get as many PWP involved. It’s a great activity to help develop and maintain regular exercise whilst meeting up people in a similar situation.
“NEAP is a local group and with the support of Parkinson’s Scotland whose aim is to encourage People with Parkinson’s to continue with regular exercise sessions and to meet with other People with Parkinson’s.”
Amanda McKay, Physical Activity Delivery Manager for Parkinson’s UK in Scotland, said: “We are delighted to be working with partners to create a walking football programme for people with Parkinson’s in Aberdeen. We are supporting this work through our Physical Activity Grants Programme.
“Physical activity can help people with Parkinson’s live better with some of the symptoms of the condition, improve their wellbeing and lift their mood.
“We encourage anyone interested to come along, get active and become part of a real community of support.”
For participants interested in this incredible class, they should phone 01224 507701 or email activelifestyles@sportaberdeen.co.uk