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The voice of Scotland’s vibrant voluntary sector

Published by Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations

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Over-50s urged to dust off football boots in fitness drive

This news post is over 7 years old
 

A charity has teamed up with a football academy in Glasgow to encourage Scots aged over 50 to get physically active.

Drink Wise Age Well has partnered up with Budhill Football Academy to offer games of walking football in the city.

It comes after research from the charity found that a lack of social opportunities is one of several age-related reasons why some over-50s drink more than they did previously.

After a successful event at the Alexandra Park gala day earlier in July, there are now plans to run regular games and even build a local league.

We find that when people face big changes in their life as they get older, there’s more opportunity to fill their time with alcohol.

Drink Wise Age Well manager Graeme Callander said: “Providing social opportunities for older Glaswegians is key to helping keep people active.

“We find that when people face big changes in their life as they get older, there’s more opportunity to fill their time with alcohol. We’ve had a brilliant response to the variety of events we regularly put on.

“We hope walking football will be just as popular.”

Head coach of Budhill Football Academy Billy McNaught welcomed the partnership with the charity, which is being run by SFA-qualified coaches.

He added: “Walking football helps older ladies and gentlemen to once again dust off the old football boots and enjoy a leisurely game at a more relaxed tempo.

“It's also a great way to keep active and to socialise with players who have the same interests.

“We're looking forward to building a Drink Wise League and getting together every week - hail, rain or snow - to play the lovely game.”