Airdrie Supporters Trust are this week launching a Community programme of football activities for young and old. Launched with the blessing of the club, the programme will be delivered by Ewan McGuiness and Lewis Gracie from the playing staff, backed up by volunteers and other players as the popularity grows.

 

The Scottish Government’s new Active Scotland Delivery Plan has a wide range of actions across all sectors, including showcasing the contributions of football clubs to delivering positive outcomes, including the Football Fans In Training programme and Walking Football.

 

Walking Football has seen a surge in popularity in recent years with teams and projects developing in settings from football clubs, local authorities, community groups, sports clubs and in healthcare settings.

 

The sport is aimed at keeping people aged over 50 involved with football if, due to a lack of mobility or for other reason, they are not able to play the traditional game.

 

Though based on association football, the key difference in the rules, from standard football, is that if a player runs then they concede a free kick to the other side. This restriction, together with a ban on slide tackles, is aimed both at avoiding injuries and facilitating the playing of the sport by those who are physically disadvantaged. These sessions compromise of an active warm up with the majority of the session being based around gameplay which is broken up with some skill development, we then finish with an extensive cool down. Everything is done at your pace with everybody at different levels, so regardless of your age or fitness levels there are still benefits to be had.

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Walking Football also has the potential to improve people’s lives. Benefits include increased physical activity, improved mental health and wellbeing, access to additional sources of support and the opportunity to form new friendships for those living in isolation.

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Football fitness will see fans being led by the Players in training routines used by the 1st team. The intensity will depend on fitness levels, everyone is welcome and all levels of fitness are welcome. This is a fun way of keeping or getting fit while playing football with the players.Sessions start this Friday, for more info or to book please call the number or send an email.

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Team jog is as much as social event as it is to keep fit. Why don't you join in with a small jog with the players around the town - don't worry they will go at you speed. The run will be from 1mile to 3miles, depending on ability. This is a fun, friendly jogging group which is perfect for people who want to get active for the first time, or more experienced runners who want to exercise in a more sociable supportive environment. Nobody is "too slow" to join in, and nobody gets left behind. This is open to both lady's and gents everyone is welcome.

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For kids and youths, there is training for two different age groups on Saturdays and Sundays, including a Soccer Camp during the October half term. Again, these will be taken by players from the club, with everyone PVG checked. Director of Football Gordon Dalziel will also be popping in with a few of the other first team players from time to time!

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To book your place on any of the sessions, please email communityafc@outlook.com, call 07790663074, or visit the facebook page.

 

The first dates for each event are as follows:

Walking Football

Wednesday 13th September 1:30pm - 2:30pm then weekly

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Walking Football

Friday 15th September 4:00pm - 5:00pm then weekly

 

Football Fitness

Friday 15th September 7:00pm 8:00pm then weekly

 

Team Jog

Friday 15th September 8:00pm - 9:00pm then weekly

 

Pre School Diamonds

Wednesday 4th October 12:00pm - 12:45pm then weekly

 

Young Diamonds

Friday 6th October 5:00pm - 6:00pm then weekly

 

Young Diamonds

Sunday 8th October 10:00am - 11:00am then weekly

 

Young Diamonds

Sunday 8th October 11:00 - 12:00pm then weekly

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October Camps

October 17th - 20th - 9:00am - 3:00pm