Midsomer Norton Men’s Walking Football Club initially began with the help of funding from Age UK, four years ago at Welton Rovers’ football ground.

What started out as five to six people attending, quickly turned into sixteen to twenty, twice a week, and now consists of over forty players on the books since their move to Midsomer Norton Sports Centre.

The club aims to get more people into exercising and being out in the fresh air, as for most people, walking football is a time of recovery after, or during, a hard time in their lives. Keith, one of the organisers and players in the club, said: “A lot of our members have had a hard-hitting life. We want to help everyone to get out and meet new people with similar stories. It helps people to feel less alone in the darkest of times.”

The club meets every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., and are hoping to encourage more people to use the group. Angelo, the club leader, said: “Everyone turns out, in all weathers, because they come to support the club and each other. There is no pressure to be a certain level of skill, and we never push our bodies too hard. We socialise and we have fun, but there is still a chance to be competitive, as we often play in tournaments.

“We have an amazing support network between us all and it is not only great for our physical and mental health, but also for our social lives, because we can just get together and talk about the world.

“Some of the guys are having ongoing treatment for cancer, so coming here helps them be distracted from chemotherapy, and just gets them out of the house. It is the same for everyone here. Keith had a heart attack a year ago, he is using the club as part of his recovery, much like some of the lads with hip and knee replacements.”

Age UK, who are unable to continue the funding, paid for the pitches, footballs and bibs for the club. Since then, Angelo has been funding everything himself, but says: “The guys have always paid a fee, which was paid to Age UK, but I have now taken on the cost of the pitches, as well as buying kits and equipment out of my own pocket.

“We will keep going with the club, whatever happens, but it would be extremely appreciated if any local businesses could sponsor us with new kit and balls.”

The support and encouragement that the players were giving one another was incredible, it is clear to see that the club has a huge impact on its players. One participant, Graham, said: “My problems were, and still are, varied and plentiful. I could tell you a story from how my life was desperate: homelessness; prison; a vile existence. The football has been the main reason, the reason, I’ve turned my life around.”

Keith told The Journal: “We have put together a small group of us called the ‘Think Tank,’ to come together and talk about new ways of getting people to join the club, and creating more awareness around the positive impact that walking football has on people’s health.

“We want to get surgeries and health centres on board with the idea, so that they can advise people who are in need of it, to join. I cannot recommend this club enough, especially for those who are fifty plus and wanting to make new friends, exercise and see a positive impact on their lives.”

If you are interested in joining the club, or would like to know more about sponsoring it, please contact Angelo on: 07470 259513 or email: [email protected]