Following the successful launch of training sessions for coaches and referees earlier this year, the WALK FIT – Walking Football for Inclusion and Togetherness project is now inviting adults aged 50 and over as well as younger vulnerable adults to take to the pitch and experience the game firsthand.

An Open Day will be held on Saturday, 28 March between 8:00am and 12:00pm at St Klara Primary School in Pembroke, offering participants the opportunity to try walking football in a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment.

The event is being organised by Swieqi United Football Club in partnership with A.S.D. Real Sala Bolognese as part of the wider WALK FIT initiative, which promotes active ageing and social inclusion through sport.

The Open Day builds on a series of training sessions held in February, which saw local participants receive both theoretical and practical instruction in coaching and refereeing walking football. These sessions have helped lay the groundwork for the introduction and expansion of the sport in Malta, with trained individuals now supporting the delivery of community-based activities.

Walking football is a slower paced version of the traditional game, specifically designed to reduce physical strain and minimise the risk of injury. It provides an accessible way for older adults to remain active, particularly for those who may have stepped away from sport due to fitness concerns or fear of injury.

Organisers said the Open Day is intended not only to introduce participants to the game, but also to highlight its wider benefits, including improved physical health, mental wellbeing, and opportunities for social interaction.

The WALK FIT project also has a strong international dimension, with activities taking place in both Malta and Bologna, Italy. Through this collaboration, the initiative aims to share best practices and create sustainable opportunities for older adults to engage in sport and community life.

The project will culminate in an international walking football tournament in Malta later this year, bringing together Maltese and Italian teams and promoting intergenerational participation, with family members encouraged to take part as supporters.

Participation in the Open Day is free of charge, and attendees are encouraged to simply turn up on the day.