Walking football: driving community health and well-being in Hastings

A new walking football initiative in Hastings is making waves as part of the Stronger for Life project, demonstrating the transformative impact of innovative, targeted health programmes. 

Delivered in partnership with Active Hastings and East Sussex Public Health, the project addresses health inequalities in East Sussex by improving the strength, balance, and overall well-being of older adults.

The Stronger for Life project has strategically focused on areas where data shows gaps in strength and balance exercise opportunities. 

These areas often experience higher incidences of falls among older populations, particularly in communities with greater deprivation and health disparities. 

By introducing walking football, the programme is meeting a critical need while delivering measurable results.

Cath Donovan from Active Hastings highlighted the significance of the initiative: “Local insight has shown us that the biggest barriers for people to be active are long-term health conditions, so we were really excited to be involved in the Stronger for Life project. 

“It’s supporting people to maintain their health as they age. Through regular exercise, endurance, strength, coordination, balance, and mobility can be maintained, improving quality of life and enabling people to stay independent for longer.

“We have been delighted by the response from participants to the new sessions and can clearly see the benefits that they are getting from them already.”

Walking football stands out because, as the name suggests, there is no running. Players must keep one foot on the ground at all times, and while tackling is allowed, it is strictly non-contact. This slower pace and reduced physicality minimise the risk of injury, making it ideal for those returning to exercise or trying it for the first time.

Beyond its accessibility, walking football offers significant health benefits. Research shows it can help manage mild to moderate hypertension, improve fat oxidation, and enhance aerobic power. Its slower pace supports those with long-term conditions, while its social and mental health benefits provide an additional boost.

Ross Joannides, strategic relationship manager at Active Sussex, explained: “The Chief Medical Officers recommend that older adults should maintain or improve their physical function by undertaking activities aimed at improving or maintaining muscle strength, balance, and flexibility.

“Working with partners, we identified a gap in community-based provision supporting those at risk of falling due to inactivity and a lack of strength and balance activities. We have funded activities in East Sussex that are evidenced in improving bone health, muscle function, and balance.

“We can see from the walking football being delivered through Active Hastings that the benefits are greater than improved strength and balance. In addition to physiological improvement, there is an increase in capabilities around managing long-term health conditions, improved mental well-being, and greater social engagement.”

Participants in the Hastings sessions, which on the day we visited ranged from 51 to 86-years-old, are already experiencing significant improvements in their health and quality of life:

Jasmin Gray, GP Link worker at Active Hastings, said: “To see them progress from their first week to how they are now is fantastic.

“Taking part in physical exercise is so important for our longevity—not just for living longer, but living better. It is one of those things we don’t necessarily make time for, but you really need to.”

Dave Barlow, a heart patient, described it as a lifeline. “I walk rather than run these days, and so it is about my pace. I have had a quadruple heart bypass. I think this qualifies for me as rehab. I recommend it to anybody, my worst enemy, my best friends—I think it is brilliant.”

Kate Stephenson shared how it has transformed her fitness. “It is fabulous cardio exercise,” she said. “It is a team sport, so you are involved in a group. Fitness has massively improved. I can now walk up hills without puffing, whereas before I might have struggled.”

Carrie Warrior shared her unexpected love for the game: “At first I got talked into it; I didn’t even realise I liked football. But I am addicted now. If I could play every day, I would.”

The success of the walking football sessions showcases the potential of collaborative community-based health initiatives supported by statutory services and the voluntary sector. By addressing specific local needs and providing inclusive, evidence-based solutions, programmes like Stronger for Life are closing gaps in health provision and driving meaningful change.

This project offers a powerful example of how targeted interventions can deliver long-lasting benefits for organisations and stakeholders looking to tackle health inequalities and improve community well-being.

If you would like to find out more about the Stronger for Life project, please email Ross Joannides at rjoannides@activesussex.org