Reds in the Community’s Walking Reds programme has launched a new FREE 10-week programme at Athersley Rec!

Every Friday from August 18, the new programme will run between 11:30am – 1pm at the Penguins’ ground, Sheerien Park.

After starting as an offshoot to the Fit Reds programme in 2015, Walking Football has proved incredibly popular, especially our sessions in the Oakwell Academy Indoor Centre.

RITC, in partnership with Be Well Barnsley, is looking to expand further out to Athersley to make use of their excellent facilities and to continue to grow the sport.

Our Walking Football sessions are open to both men and women over the age of 35 and aim to provide those who enjoy the slower side of the game the chance to enjoy football at a different pace.

There are over 600 registered clubs in the country, helping to address the issue of social isolation through Walking Football sessions.

Of 150 local authorities across the country, Barnsley is ranked 129th for levels of physical activity, something that RITC is keen to address.

Athersley Rec director Pete Goodlad said of the new partnership: “It’s very important, that we work closely with Barnsley FC and Reds in the Community to deliver projects like this to our community.

“Our relationship from last season has grown into a partnership, something we’ve been looking to do over a number of years, but have not had the capacity to put it into practice.

“With RITC coming down to Sheerien Park and working closely with us, it will be an advantage to both clubs, local people and to the health and well-being of our community.

“It’s a no-brainer for anyone who wants to do this, we getting so many people asking about the possibility of doing this here and we’ve had to send them elsewhere.

“Now there’s an opportunity for us to come back to where they want to be and hopefully make it a thing for the future.”

Our sessions have been aiming to help citizens reach their potential and help generally improve their physical fitness and well-being.

The 10-weekly sessions are split into two 45 minute halves:

• First Half: A healthy lifestyle team talk delivered with Be Well Barnsley
• Second Half: Walking football/fitness sessions

The full address for the new session is:

• Sheerien Park
• 123-125 Ollerton Road
• Athersley North
• Barnsley
• S71 3DP

Any participants who attend all sessions for the full 10 weeks will receive FREE Barnsley FC tickets to a home league match of your choice.