IOM WALKING FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
The goal of the charity is to encourage and enable the Islands community to share in the experience of walking football both locally and on an international level
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OUR STORY SO FAR
Starting out in 2017 as a small collection of friends with shared ideas and values with regards to tackling social and health issues through football, an informal network was developed which eventually evolved into the formation of the IOMWFA.
With our aim of promoting, facilitating, and developing walking football on the Isle of Man to enable individuals and clubs to exchange more efficiently and effectively, methodologies, programmes, and activities on the Island and to expand walking football, throughout the Island.
We initially targeted people over 50 in the community who were facing common issues and challenges, encouraging them to get involved in our organised open walking footballing sessions. This initial informal setting soon began a collaboration with other walking footballing groups and ignited a passion which opened other opportunities for younger people to engage and eventually, with the help from our sponsors, allowed the IOMWFA to establish teams to compete against other National and League sides, both at home on the Island and away at European locations…..to be continued.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Its football but walking, we play six-a-side on small pitches, the rules are simple – no contact, no running, height restrictions and the most important rule “have fun”.
Anyone over 40, we currently have mixed age Spring and Winter leagues run by the IOMFA and the IOMWFA enter national teams in international tournaments off Island as well as host friendly matches and international tournaments right here on the Isle of Man.
Motivation, that’s it…… oh, it would also help if you’ve got some comfortable sportswear, a decent pair of Astros or boots, some shin pads, and a desire to get involved, what more can we say other than – It’s fun, its friendly and it gets you fit.
Walking football offers a multitude of health benefits to older people, including reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and strokes. Like all sports, it promotes positive changes in postural balance, blood pressure, cholesterol, resting heart rate, blood sugar levels and bone density, let’s face it, as we get older many of us struggle with our weight, strength, stamina, and worst of all stairs!
Walking football has the potential to improve all of these making it easier for those of us that have not succumbed to a bungalow just yet. There are mental health benefits as well, you will experience high levels of personal reward, be part of a community and benefit from the social activities, helping to regain your confidence.
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