Ayr United’s Football Academy are looking to spread the word of Walking Football with the launch of a new pilot project.
A six week scheme is underway aimed at those living with dementia and carers offering support. Sessions in the walking version of the beautiful game are being offered up at Shoot Soccer, who have provided their venue to the AUFA free of charge.
Bus giant Stagecoach has offered funding for refreshments and travel help to participants as part of the initiative and some of their drivers and engineers joined the fun at the inaugural session.
Andy McInnes oversees the United Academy’s Walking Football setup and coaches up to 100 players across sessions each week. He says the introduction of Dementia Friendly classes is another key strand to the Academy’s work.
He told the Ayrshire Post: “It’s all about inclusion and that’s the best thing about Walking Football. People come to love this form of the game because they want to stay involved in it as long as they possibly can – and that’s before you talk about the social and mental benefits to what we do here.
“The idea behind branching out into Dementia Friendly sessions is to give not only people that are living with the condition, but those that are supporting them, that bit of freedom to come and enjoy themselves. It’s a form of escape and ultimately a time to relax and have a kickabout.
“We’re extremely grateful to the folks at Shoot for their ongoing support and also to Stagecoach for coming on board and making this new project possible. It is something that we’re very hopeful will grow over time and prove a very popular addition to what we do here.”
Fiona Doherty, Managing Director of Stagecoach West Scotland, said: “It’s a great opportunity for us to support the ‘Dementia Friendly Walking Football’ pilot sessions with Ayr United. This condition has a daily impact on many people in our communities and on our workforce, with family members affected by it. We are proud to give our support for such a cause which is crucial in providing the help and resources to raise awareness of dementia within our community.”
For information, contact Andy McInnes, Walking football Co-ordinator at the Ayr United Football Academy on 07984 326056 or visit https://www.aufa.org.uk/walking-football/ to book a space. The sessions take place each Monday at Shoot Soccer, Ayr from 2pm-4pm.