‘WALK FIT – Walking Football for Inclusion and Togetherness’ is a new initiative for those with an interest in sport, community engagement and active ageing. The project aims to promote a slower paced and low impact version of the traditional game which is designed primarily for adults aged 50 and over, while also welcoming people of other ages who may benefit from a gentler way to stay active due to health conditions or reduced mobility.

Led by Swieqi United Football Club in partnership with A.S.D. Real Sala Bolognese from Italy, the first activity will train individuals who wish to become coaches or referees in walking football. These training sessions, which will combine theory and practical experience, are open to everyone, and no previous football, coaching or refereeing experience is required.

The first session will take place on Saturday, 21st February at 9.30am at the Swieqi United FC Club House in Swieqi. Participants will attend a theory workshop focusing on the rules of walking football, safeguarding responsibilities, and guidance on how to run inclusive and safe sessions for older players.

The second session will be held on Sunday, 22nd February at 9.30am at St Klara Football Pitch in Pembroke, where participants will take part in hands on coaching and refereeing exercises on the pitch.

Dr. Justin Fenech, President of Swieqi United FC, said, “These training sessions form an important part of efforts to expand walking football in Malta while encouraging community participation and social interaction among older adults. Walking football is specifically designed to reduce the physical intensity of the sport, making it accessible to individuals who may have stopped playing football due to concerns about injury or fitness levels.”

Beyond promoting physical activity, the ‘WALK-FIT – Walking Football for Inclusion and Togetherness’ project seeks to tackle social isolation by creating opportunities for older adults to remain active and engaged within their communities. The initiative will also strengthen international collaboration by introducing walking football initiatives in Bologna, Italy, while expanding participation opportunities across Malta.

As part of the project’s long-term goals, the coaches and referees who undergo the upcoming training will then help to deliver structured walking football sessions tailored to the needs of participants. An open day for those interested in taking up Walking Football will be held on 28 March with more details available soon. The programme will culminate in an international walking football tournament bringing together Maltese and Italian teams, with a strong focus on community spirit and intergenerational participation, including the involvement of families as supporters.

Individuals interested in attending the training sessions can register online at https://forms.gle/rU4JEWQtVqs8vBhA7. More information on the project can also be found on Facebook and Instagram.

The WALK FIT – Walking Football for Inclusion and Togetherness project is co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ Programme under Grant Agreement No. 101245583. However, views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.