A walking football event is being held for people with Parkinson’s in the North West to mark World Parkinson’s Day.
Held on the rooftop pitch at Hotel Football in Old Trafford on Friday 11 April 2025, the event will involve a series of walking football activities, drills, and talks to give participants a flavour of the sport.
The event will be organised by Parkinson’s UK, a charity which aims to improve life with Parkinson’s through researching, campaigning, and raising funds for new treatment and support.
John Roche from Parkinson’s support community Northern Lights said: “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.”
Parkinson’s UK Chief Executive Caroline Rassell said: “Walking football is a joyous and inclusive sport which has so many benefits for people living with Parkinson’s.”
Caroline said walking football has been found to alleviate motor symptoms of Parkinson’s, as it focuses on balance, muscle strength, and coordination, as well as improving mental wellbeing by reducing isolation.
She said: “I hope lots of new people will join us on the day.”
The fastest growing neurological condition in the world, Parkinson’s is a complex brain condition that gets worse over time.
Parkinson’s causes over 40 different symptoms, including tremors, pain, and depression – not everyone experiences the same symptoms, and symptoms often change from day to day, or even from hour to hour.
According to Parkinson’s UK there were around 153,000 people living with the condition in the UK in 2023 and this number is predicted to increase to around 172,000 by 2030.
Parkinson’s UK reported that 1.2% of people with a diagnosis are under 50.
More men than women are diagnosed with Parkinson’s, and this is believed to be due to biological and lifestyle factors.
Although there is currently no cure for the condition, Parkinson’s Awareness Day provides an opportunity to increase understanding and raise funds for research and treatment.
Parkinson’s UK are encouraging people to show support by hosting blue bake sales or wearing blue for the day.
Feature image courtesy of Hotel Football
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