Ashington Town Football Club runs a ladies walking football club which aims to help people keep, or kick-start an active lifestyle regardless of their age, weight or health.  
 

Over 40 ladies turned up to take part in the fun festival which raised much needed funds and food bank donations for Ashington Life Centre and Wansbeck Valley Foodbank.  

Sean Chaplin from the Ashington Town Walking Football Group said: 

“Our ladies' sessions are going from strength to strength and as the name suggests, only walking is allowed - no jogging, running or sprinting! 

“The classes are giving women an opportunity to play and enjoy this popular sport at a slower pace, helping them to keep an active lifestyle regardless of their age or fitness level. 
 

“We had a great day and a great turn-out at our festival. Everyone got into the Christmas spirit, and it was really encouraging to see the friendships and camaraderie that are developing as a result of the group.” 

The festival was supported by Northumberland County Council’s sports development team and Get Onside funding. Get Onside is an exciting new activity programme from Sport England, funded by the National Lottery, and delivered by the Football Foundation, which is supporting residents of Ashington & Berwick to get more active.
 

Jake Preece, Sports Development Officer at Northumberland County Council said: 

“Walking Football is a fantastic team sport which helps counter social isolation but the mental and physical health benefits from regular gentle exercise are also enormous. 

“Walking Football is experiencing a massive surge in popularity and there have been some men’s groups running in the county for a couple of years. Some of those participants have told us they are getting better cholesterol readings, balance, mobility and quite a few are losing weight so there are some great health benefits involved too.  
 

“It’s great that this ladies’ team is thriving, and I am excited to see how that progresses, not just in Ashington but around the county too. " 
 

The Ashington Town Ladies Walking Football Group meet on Saturdays between 10am- 11.30 at Josephine Butler Campus, Ashington. 
 

It is £3 per session but the first session is free.  

If you want to get involved or find out more contact Jake Preece on email: jake.preece@northumberland.gov.uk