Huddersfield Town Foundation’s Walking Football has helped Sean and Phil improve their physical and mental health.

The Foundation’s walking football is aimed at over 50s and/or anybody recovering from an injury, facilitated by a partnership with Locala, the sessions provide participants with the opportunity to meet new people, improve their physical fitness, and communicate their struggles.

The programme has had a huge influence on many lives, especially Sean Downey and Phil Jesney who together form part of a core group that was part of the first group to partake in the activity in 2020. Two years later, the pair still attend and the programme attracts on average 15 individuals compared to the original five.

Phil, pictured fourth from the left on the top row, explained how he initially became involved:

“After the COVID-19 pandemic I’d made a little list to myself of things I wanted to do, and one of them was Walking Football.

“I live on my own, so I wanted to get out and meet new people. I’ve made friendships and we’re now doing other activities outside the football!”

Sean, pictured bottom right, added:

“I’ve got fitter, I’ve made loads of friends and I’m enjoying football. We’ve also taken up fishing and started going for coffees as a group afterwards.

“We all come with our own burdens, but football allows us to forget them.”

The sessions are free to attend, and will continue to provide a fun, safe, open environment for all.