Walking Soccer for Parkinson’s Disease | Interviews

Stuart Carrington, Football Inclusion Officer from Liverpool, UK, tells us why he joined England’s first Parkinson’s Walking Football Team and how it has created a ‘family atmosphere’ for people living with the condition

Please tell us a little about yourself and your involvement in the Parkinson’s community.

“I live with my wife and son in Liverpool, UK and work as a Football Inclusion Officer for the Liverpool Football Association. I have been involved in football for as long as I can remember, from playing in the street with my friends to participating in youth teams and playing abroad in Belgium.

“My role in the Parkinson’s community began when I was contacted by John Roche, who lives with the disease and co-founded the Parkinson’s community group, Northern Lights. He invited me to one of his newly established walking football sessions where I also met his football coach and close friend Keith Johnson.

“We all formed an instant connection, not only in our passion for the sport, but also in the journey we wanted to create for people living with Parkinson’s.”

Please tell us how the England Walking Football Team for People with Parkinson’s (PwPs) came about.

“It was the brainchild of Northern Lights co-founder John Roche, Walking Football Association (WFA) Physiotherapist Paul Nicholls and Stuart Langworthy – WFA Walking Football Over 60s Team Manager. They decided that people living with the condition should have the right to represent their country and participate in walking football.

“The motivation was simple: PwPs can achieve anything they want – and nothing will stop them. After we introduced the idea to the Parkinson’s community, the response was overwhelming. We knew then that this would be a successful program.

“We had over 45 participants from across the country travel to Birmingham, UK this year to take part in trials. We split the players into different teams for trial matches while myself and the other coaches began the selection process. The highlight of the program was that everyone stayed at the hotel the night before and got to know each other.’

Stewart says the response from the Parkinson’s community has been “overwhelming”.

What does walking football have to offer PwP?

“It’s an excellent way to stay fit and healthy, and studies show it can effectively treat mild to moderate hypertension.

“Yet the biggest thing I believe sport can offer PwPs is camaraderie. Everyone needs an escape and I believe walking football is that. It can foster a real sense of belonging and a family atmosphere that really changes people’s lives.

“As I got to know the people on the team, I feel that a unique bond has emerged between us that will last as long as I live. Everyone faces challenges on a daily basis, but they all do it with such dignity – and have a smile on their face every time we meet.”

What are your hopes for the future of the team?

“This is the beginning of a new journey, so we are constantly looking for new players. In an ideal world we would love to find a sponsor so we can travel the world and organize friendlies against other countries while building strong links with the Parkinson’s community. On a personal level, I would like to be involved in organizing a Parkinson’s World Cup with teams from all over the world.”

The team has helped foster “a real sense of belonging and a family atmosphere” among its members, Stewart says.

What would you say to someone with Parkinson’s who wants to get involved in walking football?

“If anyone wants to get in touch, or be directed to the nearest walking football session, or bring a team to play a game with us, they can contact me via my email: stuart.carrington@liverpoolfa.com.

“Not only can the activity help you physically and mentally, but you’ll also be able to share your experiences, meet new friends and maybe even score a goal or two along the way.”

Read more:

“When the Parkinson’s community comes together, magical things happen”

“We must prepare our brain and body to meet all difficulties”

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