Step Into the Game: Walking Football for Parkinson’s Comes to Huddersfield

Posted By: KLTVon: April 09, 2025In: News, Sport & Fitness, Talking Health TV

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By KLTV Newsdesk –

New inclusive programme invites local Parkinson’s community to get active and social

People living with Parkinson’s across Huddersfield and surrounding areas in West Yorkshire are being invited to lace up their trainers and take part in a brand new walking football initiative launched by the Huddersfield Town Foundation.

A Fun and Friendly Introduction to Walking Football

The sessions, held at the Huddersfield Town Foundation Ltd at Leeds Road Sports Complex, are open to anyone living with Parkinson’s, along with their carers and relatives.

The weekly classes kick off on Monday 28 April and are designed to be fun, social, and welcoming — no previous experience of walking football is required.

Delivered by trained instructors, each session includes light training exercises, football drills, and short walking football matches, all in a relaxed environment.

Comfortable activewear and appropriate footwear are recommended, and participants are encouraged to bring water.

Backed by Parkinson’s UK

Thanks to grant funding from Parkinson’s UK, the Foundation will deliver 12 weeks of free walking football sessions tailored for the local Parkinson’s community.

The charity has been investing in a wide range of physical activity projects since 2021, supporting the development of inclusive and adaptable sports opportunities.

Roma Hashim, Physical Activity Grants Manager at Parkinson’s UK, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are delighted to be working with Huddersfield Town Foundation on their new 12-week walking football programme.

“We have seen a number of successful walking football projects open for people with Parkinson’s across the UK since our Physical Activity Grants first opened in 2021 and it’s really exciting to see another session open for the people of West Yorkshire.

“Walking football is shown to be fun, social and adaptable for people with Parkinson’s.

“As a charity we continue to work with football clubs and walking football teams across the UK to deliver more Parkinson’s friendly sessions and we are thrilled to welcome Huddersfield Town to our list of accredited providers for people with Parkinson’s.”

Building an Inclusive Community

The Huddersfield Town Foundation is committed to creating welcoming and inclusive spaces for all members of the community.

This latest offering aims to give those living with Parkinson’s a chance to stay active, connect with others, and enjoy the many physical and mental health benefits of sport.

Matt Crookes, Health and Wellbeing Coordinator at the Huddersfield Town Foundation, shared his thoughts: “We are excited to offer a session tailor made for the Parkinson’s community, further diversifying our offer to adults within Kirklees Communities.

“As a Foundation, we strive to make our sessions as inclusive as possible to as many as possible.

“We have already taken learnings from our current walking footballers living with Parkinson’s in how to adapt our sessions and are looking forward to welcoming more people to join us.”