WFA announces new partner
The Walking Football Association are proud to announce that we are working with the Walking and Talking Charity Hikes to raise the profile of the physical and mental health and welfare benefits of walking and Walking Football.
It is well-publicised that athletes from all sports often suffer from mental illness. This can happen during a career but is particularly common after retirement from a professional
sport.
Whilst mental health awareness and understanding are improving, we found that going out for a walk really does help to improve levels of stress and anxiety that can be built up over
time.
Walking and talking can have many benefits, including weight loss, reduced anxiety and stress relief.
The charity was founded by a group of ex-professional footballers and their friends. They got together to raise awareness of mental health issues arising after retirement from sport, but things blossomed into them supporting the wider mental health community and other charities and organisations. “I was delighted to meet with Gary Marshall and Mark Crossley and learn about their brilliant initiative W.A.T.C.H. Partnering with W.A.T.C.H. will enhance both charitable organisations as we strive to promote Well Being and Mental Health across a wide range of sporting people.” Graham Collier – England Over 60s, Ex Nottingham Forest.
“The WFA is delighted to be associated with the Walking and Talking Charity – we know that Walking Football has and will continue to be life changing for so many players – getting back to playing a team sport in your more mature years has many benefits and most players will mention the ‘banter’ as being one of the biggest benefits. We are thrilled and honoured that the charity is supporting the Over 60s team this year in their endeavours to retain the FIWFA World Nations Cup and we look forward to a wider relationship between the 2 organisations – there is a common goal and great opportunities to work together going forward.” Stuart Langworthy, Director WFA
On behalf of everyone at W.A.T.C.H #walkingsbrilliant we are delighted to be linking up and supporting the WFA and look forward to linking up for the future” Mark Crossley