Walking football

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Sports can be modified so that they are more accessible for certain groups of
people. One example of this is walking football, which is a non-contact form of the game, played at a slower pace. Walking football is popular, and some walking football sessions have been designed and delivered for people living with dementia. In this chapter we investigate the experiences of people who were involved in a dementia-friendly walking football programme held in Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland. These walking football sessions were designed to provide participants with the chance to play walking football with others in a dementia-friendly environment.
For example, the location was served by accessible transport links, and staff at the were on hand to support with extra wayfinding signage or escorting where needed. The sessions also provided opportunity for participants, along with their carers and supporters to socialise before and after every set of games. Carers and supporters were offered a space to stay and watch the walking football sessions, or they could take time to themselves for a break away. To investigate the impact of these sessions on those involved, interviews were carried out with the walking football participants, their carers and supporters, and those who designed and ran the sessions. Good practice included ensuring the location was geographically accessible with local transport links and having staff on hand to support with directions. It involved helping participants, families, and supporters before and after each session, as well as providing choice for carers on how they might use their time during the session. It also included using football artefacts to support people living with dementia understand the purpose of participation and where the sessions were
taking place. The research showed that Hampden Park provided a unique setting that stimulated football memories amongst participants.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationLeisure and Everyday Life with Dementia
EditorsDr Keith Oliver, Professor Dawn Brooker MBE
Place of PublicationMaidenhead
PublisherOpen University Press
Chapter13
Edition1
ISBN (Electronic)9780335251315
ISBN (Print)9780335251308
Publication statusPublished - 10 Oct 2023

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Walking football'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this