Active Through Football programme reaches 600 people

Wakefield Council's Active Through Football programme is making a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of residents across the south-east of the district.

Since launching four years ago, more than 600 individuals have taken part in over 1,100 sessions, participating in a wide range of activities including football, running, yoga and pickleball. The programme has seen more than 11,000 attendances, highlighting the growing demand for accessible and inclusive activities.

Almost 50% of participants live within the most deprived 20% of areas in the district. While nearly 40% were classified as physically inactive before attending their first session.

One of the projects supported by Active Through Football is Walking and Running Fit South Elmsall, South Kirkby and Upton (SESKU). This is a friendly space where men and women of all ages and abilities can walk or run at Frickley Country Park. It is a social group - not a running club - so everyone is welcome, and nobody is ever left behind.

Lee Ann Fenson said: “It’s got me off the sofa, and I’ve made lots of new friends. And it’s improved my mental health. I’d encourage everyone to come along, it’s fantastic. It’s a different route every week and we really have all become friends.”

Another project is Life in The Old Dogs football sessions held weekly in Hemsworth. It helps men over 40 stay physically active and enjoy a friendly kickabout. A space for men of all abilities - whether they’re a lifelong player or haven’t kicked a ball in years - they’ll feel right at home.

Greg Lunn said: “It’s exercise, it’s good for the soul and interacting with people. I’ve been playing with people who are 75, 76 and they can still pass a ball. It gets you out for an hour, having a laugh and enjoying yourself. If you’re sat at home and are afraid of making a fool of yourself, don’t worry, just get up and do it because you’ll enjoy it and you’ll remember your younger days. I’m not the fastest on the field anymore but we all muck in and have a good laugh.”

The Active Through Football project is also about giving adults with disabilities and learning difficulties a variety of sports and games to take part in. Sessions include football, table tennis and basketball as well as seated games such as indoor curling.

Sally Slater, from South Elmsall Day Centre, said: “These sessions make a real difference to our service users. They’re able to mix with different people and do all sorts of activities. They really enjoy themselves and by the end of it they’re absolutely buzzing.”

Active Through Football is a six-year programme from Sport England, funded by the National Lottery and delivered by the Football Foundation. It aims to increase activity levels and change people’s behaviour and attitude towards exercise.

In Wakefield, the Active Through Football project is creating more opportunities for adults living in the south-east of the district to improve their health and wellbeing through physical activity.

The programme is funded until 2028. There are currently more than 20 different organised activities run each week, including running groups, organised walks and parent and toddler sessions.

Wakefield Council is delivering the Active Through Football programme in collaboration with NLY Community Sport, The Coalfields Regeneration Trust, and other local community organisations.

Anyone who is interested in getting involved in the Active Through Football programme can find out more at www.wakefield.gov.uk/sport-and-leisure/sport-activities-and-classes/active-through-football/