Manchester Parkinson's communities invited to free walking football event at Hotel Football
People living with Parkinson’s in the North West are invited to join a special walking football event at Hotel Football on Friday 11 April 2025, to mark World Parkinson’s Day.
The free event, organised by Parkinson’s UK staff and volunteers, features Parkinson’s walking footballers from across the North West. It will be an opportunity for people of all ages and abilities, living locally with the condition to try walking football in a fun and social way.
Held on the popular rooftop pitch at Hotel Football in Old Trafford, the day will involve a series of fun walking football activities, drills and talks to give participants a flavour of playing the sport.
Spaces for this free event are limited, please book your tickets in advance via Eventbrite. Refreshments and a light lunch will be provided. No previous experience of walking football is required, and carers and relatives are welcome too. It is recommended to wear comfortable activewear and footwear for playing football and to bring a bottle of water.
Among those joining on the day will be experienced Parkinson’s walking footballers and coaches from clubs across the UK, including the Northern Lights PD team, Parkinson’s Pioneers, Liverpool County Football Association and Stockport County Community Trust.
Caroline Rassell, Chief Executive at Parkinson’s UK, said:
“Walking football is a joyous and inclusive sport which has so many benefits for people living with Parkinson’s. It can alleviate motor symptoms as it focuses on balance, muscle strength and coordination, as well as boosting mental wellbeing and reducing isolation. I am delighted to be taking part in this special World Parkinson’s Day event at Hotel Football with our brilliant walking football community. I hope lots of new people will join us on the day.
“We know more people than ever are being diagnosed with Parkinson’s. To mark World Parkinson’s Day this year, Parkinson’s UK is encouraging everyone to show their support, from lighting up landmarks to hosting blue bake sales to wearing blue for a day. Celebrations organised by Parkinson’s UK branches, groups and volunteers will also be taking place across the UK.
Alongside the charity's helpline and website, these regular in-person, support activities offer a local lifeline to people at every stage of their Parkinson’s journey, twelve months of the year.
John Roche from Northern Lights PD, said:
“Parkinson’s is a condition which knows no boundaries and doesn’t discriminate in any way. World Parkinson’s Day is a vital international landmark to remind people everywhere that together we can make this life as good as possible. We want to help people use football as a doorway into the wider support of the Parkinson’s community.”
A spokesperson for Hotel Football, added:
“‘The team at Hotel Football are delighted to host this event for World Parkinson’s Day, and we feel honoured to be chosen as the venue to raise awareness for this important charity.”
To find out more about Parkinson’s UK and World Parkinson’s Day, visit: parkinsons.org.uk
For more information on the event please contact: Lai Yew, [email protected] or 0344 225 3570.
To book a free slot visit: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/up-on-the-roof-world-parkinsons-day-walking-football-fun-day-tickets-1235794106439?aff=oddtdtcreator