The idea
We aim to enhance our walking rugby initiative for individuals aged 45+, ensuring inclusivity while promoting physical activity, social connections, and mental wellbeing. Operating over 39 weeks annually, the sessions are entirely free for the local community and tailored to accommodate varying ages, abilities, and mobility levels.
Our priority is to recruit more females and participants aged 65+, building on the nearly 100 individuals already engaged across Blackpool, Fylde, and Wyre.
Our Warton programme collaborates with Streetwise to offer enriching post-session activities, such as weekly coffee chats and a cooked brunch every six weeks.
To encourage new participation, we’ll create marketing materials and host taster sessions and family-friendly activities at Fleetwood Rugby Club’s summer fun day.
Additionally our 'Forward Pass' initiative, developed with walking rugby participants, redistributes new/used sports gear to children & families in need to ensure accessibility.
What we'll deliver
- Deliver weekly walking touch rugby sessions for over 45s in Warton
- Facilitate weekly coffee and chats for our participants
- Facilitate cooked breakfast and chats every 6 weeks
Why it's a great idea
Research shows older adults are the most inactive population group and being part of both a supportive community and team benefit physical and mental wellbeing. Our walking rugby offers participants of various abilities, backgrounds and experiences an opportunity to stay active, connect with others and experience a sense of belonging.
To date current participants have improved their physical fitness and skills as well as increasing confidence, wellbeing and whilst reducing social isolation. Our sessions offer something to look forward to each week providing structure, purpose and personal progression.
Age UK states that physical activity is proven to increase physical function, help people live independently for longer and improve quality of life in older adults. Additionally, evidence shows being more active can lower the risk of depression as well as other health conditions including dementia, heart disease and strokes.
Steps to get it done
- Successful 'come try' participant recruitment event at Fleetwood Rugby Club
- Start of delivery for walking touch rugby sessions
- Start of delivery for social coffee chats / brunch
- Recruit more females and over 65s into our walking rugby sessions
- Collection of donated items for Forward Pass initiative
