The winter months don’t have to mean giving up playing the game you love thanks to new indoor Walking Football sessions starting at the Abbey Stadium this January.

Designed with the aim of getting more people active in the New Year, the new sessions are ideal for any residents who want to keep active but don’t fancy facing the wintery weather at the outdoor sessions which launched last summer.

The sessions are an hour long and will be held in the Sports Hall at the Abbey Stadium every Monday morning at 10.30am, starting January 9th. Sessions cost just £2 per participant and spectators are also welcome.

Organised by Redditch Borough Council, in partnership with Rubicon Leisure, the sessions see reduced physical contact and tackling which makes it perfect for people who have been out of the game for a while and want to make a comeback.

Walking football offers many health benefits as well as being great fun for any age, ability, fitness level or gender. With no running, jogging, or heading – and tackling with reduced physical contact – Walking Football is a fun and safe way for players to enjoy football and socialise together.

The Council’s Portfolio-holder for Leisure, Cllr Jo Beecham, said: “Where there is a will, there is always another way to play! And now the winter weather doesn’t have to come between you and a healthier lifestyle either. We are committed to getting Redditch active and walking sports are proven to have lots of physical benefits as well as helping to improve mental health and well-being. I think we can all do with some of that in the New Year, so if football is your thing, come along and have a go.”

Leader of the Council, Cllr Matt Dormer, added: “The New Year is always a time when we think about improving our health after too much indulging over the festive period. What better way to get active and improve your mental health than by playing a game you love and meeting like-minded people.”

These sessions have been partially funded by Versus Arthritis through the council’s Sports Development Team.

There’s no need to book, just turn up at the session to register and join in.

Walking Football sessions across the borough now include:

Session	Time	Venue
Women’s Walking Football	9.15am Mondays	Abbey Stadium Sports Hall
Walking Football	10.30am Mondays	Abbey Stadium Sports Hall
Evening Walking Football	8pm Mondays	Arrow Vale 3G pitch

To find out more you can call The Abbey Stadium on 01527 60206 or Sports Development on 01527 881404 or email sd@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk