Walking Football helps Steve ease the pain of arthritis

Steve Duggan has been attending Swansea City AFC Foundation’s walking football sessions for the best part of three years after being referred to the programme by health professionals, and believes it has been key in improving his physical and mental health.

The 67-year-old had been suffering from arthritis and back pain, but was advised by his doctor and physio that exercise would ease the pain.

Having always loved football, Duggan signed up to the Foundation’s walking football sessions and has never looked back, continuing to enjoy playing a number of years on.

From joining the walking football programme, Duggan has relished even more opportunities to improve his overall health and wellbeing through the Swans Foundation, including completing the 12-week FIT Jacks programme at the end of 2023.

Duggan was also involved in the Joma Cup - a collaboration between Swansea City, kit manufacturer Joma and Norwich City - where walking football participants got the opportunity to wear the shirt of their respective clubs.

A key aspect to all of the Foundation’s programmes is the social benefit of participants meeting new people and joining a likeminded group within their community.

And Duggan certainly believes he has benefited.

“I’ve always loved football and it’s been a fantastic way, at 67 years of age, to continue my love of football,” said Duggan.

“I’m fitter now, I get more exercise, I’ve met great people. The social aspects, mental health aspects are all positive.

“My back pain has gone, all sorts of aches and pains are better. From a mental health point of view I look forward to playing, it’s such a great experience.

“We have a cuppa and chat after the session as well with likeminded friends so that’s brilliant.

“I’ve always enjoyed sport and exercise, I’ve ran a marathon, I used to do a lot of running, football, but as I got older my lifestyle became much more sedentary.

“Things like posture, just sitting in the house watching TV, I become more overweight and I developed these aches and pains, especially back pain, so since I’ve been doing this walking football it’s motivated me to continue it and at 67-years-old I’m still participating and enjoying it.”

Swansea City Foundation is launching a brand-new walking football session aimed at those aged 55 and over at Cefn Hengoed Leisure Centre, beginning on Monday May 12.

If you want to reap the rewards of walking football like Steve Duggan has, click the link below to book your place now.