Walking football for veterans in Durham: Fitness, friendship, and Community
Staying active can be an important part of maintaining a healthy and positive lifestyle after leaving the Armed Forces.
For many veterans, however, becoming active again after military service is not always easy. Changes in routine, age, fitness levels, confidence and social connections can all affect how someone participates in physical activity.
For veterans living in County Durham and the wider North East, walking football can provide an accessible way to become more active while also meeting other veterans and building community connections.
SMARTT Veterans CIC runs a weekly walking football programme at Consett FC, led by a qualified coach. The programme is designed to encourage veterans to become active again while providing a friendly and social environment.
In this guide, we explore what walking football is, how it can support veteran community connection and why it can be a useful activity for veterans in County Durham.
Walking football for veterans in Durham: What Is Walking Football?
Walking football is a slower-paced version of traditional football.
Instead of running, participants walk during the game, making the activity more accessible for people who may not feel comfortable playing traditional football.
Walking football can provide an opportunity to:
- Stay physically active
- Meet other people
- Enjoy football at a gentler pace
- Build confidence
- Develop a regular routine
- Take part in a team activity
- Connect with the local veteran community
The aim is not necessarily to compete at a high level.
Instead, the focus can be on participation, enjoyment, activity and social connection.
Why Is Walking Football Suitable for Veterans?
Veterans can have different levels of fitness, mobility and sporting experience.
Some may have played football throughout their lives, while others may simply be looking for a new way to become active.
SMARTT Veterans describes walking football as an activity designed to be accessible to veterans of different fitness levels and abilities. The programme was developed following engagement with older veterans in County Durham.
This makes walking football an option for veterans who want to become more active without the pace of traditional football.
Walking Football for Veterans in County Durham
SMARTT Veterans provides weekly walking football sessions at Consett FC in County Durham.
The programme is led by a qualified coach and is designed to create a fun and social environment where veterans can participate at a suitable pace.
The programme focuses on more than football.
It aims to combine:
Physical Activity
↓
Social Connection
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Community
↓
Wellbeing
↓
Stronger Veteran Relationships
This wider approach makes walking football an important part of SMARTT Veterans’ community-focused work.
Walking football for veterans in Durham: How Can Walking Football Help Veterans Stay Active?
Regular physical activity can form part of a healthy lifestyle.
Walking football gives veterans an opportunity to incorporate movement into their routine while taking part in a group activity.
Participants can gradually become more comfortable with physical activity while enjoying the social side of the programme.
SMARTT Veterans describes its programme as an opportunity for veterans to improve physical wellbeing, increase activity and reconnect with others.
Everyone’s abilities and circumstances are different, so participants should take part at a level appropriate for them.
Walking Football and Social Connection
One of the most valuable aspects of walking football can be the opportunity to meet other people.
Leaving the Armed Forces can sometimes mean losing regular contact with former colleagues and friends.
A weekly community activity can provide an opportunity to rebuild social connections.
Walking football for veterans in Durham: Walking football can help veterans:
- Meet other veterans
- Make new friends
- Share experiences
- Work as a team
- Stay connected with the Armed Forces community
- Take part in regular social activities
SMARTT Veterans specifically identifies social isolation as one of the barriers its walking football project aims to address.
Rebuilding Camaraderie After Military Service
Camaraderie is an important part of military life.
After leaving the Armed Forces, some veterans may miss the sense of teamwork and belonging that came from serving alongside others.
Team activities such as walking football can provide an opportunity to recreate some of those social connections in a civilian community setting.
Players can work together, communicate and support each other while enjoying the activity.
For many people, the social experience can be just as important as the football itself.
Can Walking Football Support Veteran Well-Being?
Physical activity and social connection can both form part of a wider approach to well-being.
Walking football for veterans in Durham: SMARTT Veterans describes its walking football programme as supporting physical resurgence, mental resilience and enduring bonds.
The programme provides opportunities for veterans to:
- Stay active
- Build social connections
- Develop friendships
- Establish a regular routine
- Participate in team activities
- Spend time with other veterans
Walking football should not replace professional medical or mental health support when that support is needed. However, it can be one positive activity within a wider wellbeing routine.
Walking football for veterans in Durham: Why Routine Can Be Important for Veterans
A regular routine can provide structure.
After leaving the Armed Forces, veterans may experience significant changes to their daily schedule.
A weekly activity can provide something positive to look forward to.
For example:
Monday–Friday
Work / Training / Daily Activities
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Weekly Walking Football Session
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Physical Activity + Social Connection
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Community & Routine
A consistent activity can help people stay engaged with their local community.
Walking Football Can Help Veterans Meet Other Veterans
Finding people with similar experiences can make community activities more comfortable.
Walking football brings veterans together in a shared environment where they can enjoy sport and social interaction.
Participants may have served in different branches, roles or periods, but they share an important connection through the Armed Forces community.
This can help create a welcoming environment where veterans can meet people and build new friendships.
What Happens During SMARTT Veterans’ Walking Football?
SMARTT Veterans’ programme provides weekly walking football sessions at Consett FC, led by a qualified coach.
The programme has been designed to combine football with social interaction.
SMARTT Veterans describes its sessions as including:
- A gentle warm-up
- Walking football
- Activity adapted to participants’ needs
- Cool-down activities
- Relaxation
- Social interaction
- Refreshments
The programme page also highlights social events connected with the project, including pub quizzes, opportunities to attend Consett FC matches and seasonal gatherings.
Walking Football Is About More Than Sport
A successful veteran community programme needs to consider more than physical activity.
Some veterans may join because they love football.
Others may join because they want to meet people.
Someone else may simply want to get out of the house and become more active.
There is no single reason to participate.
Walking football can provide an opportunity to combine:
Fitness
A chance to become more physically active.
Friendship
An opportunity to meet other people.
Community
A way to remain connected with the Armed Forces community.
Routine
A regular activity to look forward to.
Confidence
An opportunity to participate in a supportive group environment.
Walking football for veterans in Durham: Who Can Take Part in Walking Football?
SMARTT Veterans specifically developed its programme for veterans in County Durham, with particular attention to older veterans and making activity accessible across different fitness levels and abilities.
If you are interested in participating, it is best to contact SMARTT Veterans directly to confirm the current session arrangements and suitability for your circumstances.
For more details on Walking football for veterans in Durham Contact Us here
Walking Football and the Wider Veteran Support Network
Walking football is only one part of veteran support.
A veteran may also need help with:
- Employment
- Education and training
- Housing
- Food support
- Mental wellbeing
- Community connection
- Volunteering
Walking football for veterans in Durham: SMARTT Veterans provides support across several of these areas, including Education & Training, Employment Support, Mental Health Support, Housing Assistance and Food Poverty Initiatives.
This means a veteran who joins a community activity can also learn about other forms of support that may be relevant to their circumstances.
Walking Football and Employment Support
Employment can be an important part of transitioning from military to civilian life.
However, community involvement can also play a role in maintaining confidence and developing relationships.
Walking football can help veterans remain socially active while they explore employment or training opportunities.
SMARTT Veterans also provides employment and education support for veterans in County Durham.
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Walking Football and Volunteering
Some participants may eventually want to become more involved in their local veteran community.
Volunteering can provide another opportunity to contribute.
SMARTT Veterans offers volunteering opportunities including:
- Event & Community Support
- Peer Support & Mentoring
- Skills-Based Volunteering
These opportunities allow people to use their experience and skills to support veteran activities.
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Walking Football and the Consett Veteran Community
SMARTT Veterans is based at Belle View Stadium, Consett FC, County Durham.
The location provides a community-focused base where veterans can participate in activities and connect with other members of the Armed Forces community.
Alongside walking football, SMARTT Veterans supports other community initiatives, including the Consett Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club.
The Breakfast Club provides an opportunity for serving personnel and veterans to meet, reconnect and access information and support.
Consett Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club
Why Community Activities Matter for Veterans
Veteran support is not only about solving problems.
It is also about creating opportunities.
Opportunities to:
- Meet people
- Learn something new
- Stay active
- Build confidence
- Develop friendships
- Share experiences
- Contribute to the community
Walking football is one example of how a simple community activity can bring veterans together.
How to Get Involved With Walking Football in County Durham
If you are a veteran living in County Durham and are interested in walking football, you can contact SMARTT Veterans to find out about current sessions and participation.
SMARTT Veterans CIC
Location:
Belle View Stadium
Consett AFC
County Durham
DH8 7BF
Phone: 01207 588886
Mobile: 07592 628674
Email: info@smarttveterans.org
Frequently Asked Questions About Walking Football for Veterans
Is there walking football for veterans in County Durham?
Yes. SMARTT Veterans runs weekly walking football sessions at Consett FC in County Durham.
Is walking football suitable for older veterans?
SMARTT Veterans developed its programme with older veterans in County Durham in mind and aims to make walking football accessible to different fitness levels and abilities.
Do I need to be very fit to play walking football?
Walking football is played at a slower pace than traditional football. However, everyone’s health and fitness circumstances are different, so participants should consider whether the activity is appropriate for them and discuss any concerns with an appropriate professional.
Can walking football help veterans meet other people?
Yes. Social connection is a key part of SMARTT Veterans’ walking football programme, which is designed to bring veterans together through sport and community activities.
Where does SMARTT Veterans walking football take place?
The programme takes place at Consett FC in County Durham.
Is walking football only about playing football?
No. SMARTT Veterans’ programme also includes social interaction and additional community activities designed to build camaraderie and connection.
Can walking football support mental wellbeing?
Physical activity, social interaction and a sense of community can form part of a wider wellbeing routine. SMARTT Veterans designed the programme to support physical activity, social connection and mental wellbeing.
How can I find out about current walking football sessions?
Contact SMARTT Veterans directly to confirm current session details and participation arrangements.
Get Active and Connect With Your Veteran Community
Walking football can be much more than a game.
For veterans in County Durham, it can provide an opportunity to become more active, meet other veterans, build friendships and remain connected with the Armed Forces community.
Whether you have played football for years or are simply looking for a new community activity, walking football can provide a welcoming way to get involved.
SMARTT Veterans is committed to creating meaningful opportunities for veterans and their families across the North East.
If you are a veteran in County Durham and would like to learn more about walking football, contact SMARTT Veterans today.
