Cumberland FA are hoping to encourage deaf or hard of hearing participants to play Walking Football in Workington.
The Walking Football for the Deaf sessions aim to introduce deaf or hard of hearing people to the world of football, with a view to improving health and well-being for participants new to sport, or who may not have participated for a number of years.
The sessions are supported by Cumbria Deaf Association, in association with Cumberland Council and Cumberland FA and funded by Sellafield Ltd via Active Cumbria.
The sessions are aimed at anyone from age 18 and over with all levels of hearing loss. People do not need to use sign language if they want to play.
The launch date is Monday, November 4 from 6pm to 7pm at Workington Leisure Centre 3G pitches.
Following the launch, the sessions will take place weekly on Mondays there from 6pm to 7pm.
Cumberland FA describes Walking Football as: “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.
“Ideal for anyone who just wants to play football for fun, Walking Football opens the door for players who want to continue playing, or want to return to the game, or who haven’t played that much before.”
Each week there will be a British Sign Language interpreter provided. BSL interpreters allow communication between sign language users and hearing people.
The facilitator is deaf and uses sign language, enabling communication to be easier with participants which in turn will support players throughout the session and develop their confidence in a football setting.
Anyone interested in taking part in this session or would like more information, should contact Rebecca Kiggins on [email protected], or text only mobile number /WhatsApp 07940 994446.
