This season Arsenal in the Community won the 2024 Impartment Club of the Year award for our Parkinson’s Walking Football project as part of The Walking Football Association’s Grassroots Awards. Two of our participants, Nick and Izi, tell us how it has helped them.
**Name of project:** Stride On: Parkinson’s Walking Football
**Established:** 2023
**Where and when:** The Arsenal Hub, Wednesdays 11am to 1.30pm
**Partners/Funders:** Whittington NHS Trust (funders), supported by Parkinson’s UK, The WFA, The Premier League and Professional Footballers’ Association
**Nick:** “I had been experiencing Parkinson’s symptoms for a few years, but I was only diagnosed at the end of 2023. That was a really difficult moment, and I became
very depressed. My father also had Parkinson’s, so I had some idea of what to expect. As a father myself, telling my daughters was incredibly tough, so I reached out to Parkinson’s UK for support. The local adviser explored available options and recommended Arsenal’s Walking Football programme.
“I’ve been a lifelong Arsenal fan, so it felt perfect. I was a bit nervous at first because I hadn’t played much football since my school days, but everyone was so friendly and welcoming. It was a revelation! Instead of focusing on getting my legs to move as they should, I could just focus on playing football, and everything started to flow more naturally.
“The camaraderie is amazing. We have a WhatsApp group where we all stay in touch, and the support from both the participants and the staff is incredible. It feels like a little haven, and it’s the part of my week I look forward to the most. Through Arsenal in the Community, I’ve also joined their Shape Up weight loss programme, which I attend once a week. It’s been fantastic – it encourages me to eat better and exercise more.
“I’ve noticed a massive improvement in my movement in day-to-day life and also in my mood. I go to work straight after sessions, and my happiness levels go up four or five notches.
My advice to anyone hesitant about reaching out for support is – don’t be! It’s such a welcoming and supportive environment. I started with very little football experience, but being part of something like this feels amazing. The mantra ‘movement is medicine’ is so true, and for people with Parkinson’s,it’s absolutely vital.
“Before, I struggled to find the motivation to exercise, but now I genuinely look forward to these sessions every week. I’m also excited about taking part in the national Parkinson’s Cup at St George’s Park. If you had told me I’d have the opportunity to represent Arsenal in any competition, I would have called it a dream – I can’t wait.”
**Izi:** “I first heard about the project through my partner, who found out about it via social media. Before joining, I was aware of other Arsenal in the Community projects, particularly walking football. At the time, I was facing some challenges. I found myself in a bit of a rut, struggling to participate in sport as much as I had before my Parkinson’s diagnosis.
“Since joining I have participated in Parkinson’s Walking Football, which has been a fantastic experience. I really enjoy the five-a-side matches and the opportunity to meet a great group of like-minded people.
“Through the project I have made many new friendships, which have been incredibly important to me. I regularly see the people I’ve met and stay in touch with them via our WhatsApp group. Being part of the project has changed me in a positive way by helping me regain my self-confidence. It feels amazing to do something every week that makes me feel like myself again.
“Arsenal means everything to me – I’ve been a supporter since 1968. Although I’ve always been an Arsenal fan, being part of this programme has made me feel like I truly belong to the club. The scheme has also changed me as a person. Before joining, I was somewhat in denial about my Parkinson’s diagnosis. However, these sessions have helped me accept it and turn a negative into a positive. If I had to describe the programme in one phrase, it would be ‘life-enhancing.’ It has given me back my self-esteem.”
Parkinson’s Walking Football is supported by the Premier League and the Professional Footballers’ Association. Administered through the Premier League Charitable Fund, the funding helps football clubs to tackle inequality and respond to local challenges, supporting people and their communities to be more inclusive.
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