Fifteen EFL Football Club charities, including Derby County Community Trust, have received funding to create specialist walking football sessions for people with neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s.
The £45,000 funding injection will be distributed to Clubs in England as part of a collaboration between EFL in the Community, Parkinson’s UK and the Football Association.
Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world with an estimated 153,000 people living with the condition in the UK. It’s a progressive neurological condition that causes problems in the brain that worsen over time and although treatments are available, presently there is no cure for the condition. Research indicates that regular exercise may improve Parkinson’s motor and non-motor symptoms, as well as improve sleeping, cognitive functioning and offering a social activity to combat isolation.
Announced on 11th April to mark World Parkinson’s Day, the funding will be distributed to Clubs the length and breadth of the country, from Lincoln to Shrewsbury, Middlesborough to Bromley.
Commenting on the funding, Debbie Cook, Director of Community at the EFL said: “EFL in the Community, the FA and Parkinson’s UK all share the common goal of increasing access to walking football programmes for those living with Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions in the UK. This funding will have a significant impact in communities across England by providing sessions for a group that could otherwise face barriers to accessing appropriate physical exercise.
“Across England and Wales, EFL Football Club charities continue to offer a huge range of programmes that help create healthier, stronger and thriving communities.”
Caroline Rassell, Chief Executive at Parkinson’s UK, said: “Walking football is a joyous and inclusive sport which has so many benefits for people living with Parkinson’s. It can alleviate motor symptoms as it focuses on balance, muscle strength and coordination, as well as boosting mental wellbeing and reducing isolation. I am delighted about this collaboration that will benefit many people in the community, helping them stay active while having great fun."
Sharon Dale, Head of Projects and Development at Derby County Community Trust, shared her thoughts on the recent funding, saying: “We’re thrilled to have received this support from EFL in the Community, Parkinson’s UK, and the Football Association. Our Parkinson’s walking football community at Derby County Community Trust has already shown great promise, and this funding will enable us to grow our reach and support even more individuals.”
The funding will be used to enhance the Derby County Community Trust’s existing walking football sessions, delivered in collaboration with the Parkinson’s Physiotherapy Team at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton. This will help ensure the long-term sustainability of the programme and allow the Trust to respond to growing demand. A key focus will be expanding participation to include younger individuals diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s. Although the sessions are designed with the Parkinson’s community in mind, they are open to all and welcome individuals living with various neurological conditions.
To find out more about Derby County Community Trust’s Parkinson’s walking football sessions please contact Health Team Leader, Luke Wilkinson on Luke.Wilkinson@dcct.co.uk.
