Did you see Dale in the Community’s ‘Walking Football’ team on the pitch during half-time at Saturday’s match at the Highbury Stadium?
They beat their Fleetwood Town counterparts 3-1.
Dale’s Head of Community, Keith Hicks, explains more about the initiative...
“Walking football is part of our ‘Sport England Improving Participation and Health project’ that is intended to increase male and female participation in sporting activities for two age groups: 18-39s and 40-55s.
“We’re currently focusing those efforts in the areas of Spotland and Falinge, Milkstone and Deeplish, and Smallbridge and Firgrove.
“Our aim is to attract participants by offering football, basketball and volleyball sessions then provide pathways to help in reducing health inequalities focusing on diet and nutrition, smoking and alcohol.
“The lads who were on the pitch during half time at the weekend have been taking part in coaching sessions with Community Coach, James Cooney, for a month now and they put on an impressive display in front of both sets of supporters.
“A big thank you to all Dale fans who gave them a fantastic ovation – it really meant a lot to them.
“It is the intention of the Football League Trust to set up a Walking Football competition in the near future so you will probably seeing a lot more of these amazing people.”
*Pictured above - the Walking Football team with coach James Cooney and Dale first team players Bastien Hery, Reuben Noble-Lazarus and Febian Brandy.