Over the course of the 2023/24 season we will hear from a wide range of local people who have benefitted from Arsenal in the Community projects. Here we find out more about how walking football has helped Waruni get active again after cancer, make new friends and feel even closer to the club she loves.
Project: Women’s Walking Football
Established: 2022
Weekly participants: 25-30
Yearly participants: 550
Available to: Women aged 40-plus
Sessions: Wednesdays 10-11am at The Arsenal hub, Sundays 12.30-1.30pm at Skinners Academy
Our Women’s Walking Football project relaunched alongside our Men’s Walking Football project in July 2022. The focus of these sessions for women aged 40+ is not just on football, but on staying fit through low-impact exercise, making friends and having fun.
Since the relaunch we have seen numbers rise to a similar level as our men’s project, which has always been a long-term ambition for Arsenal in the Community. Our Women’s sessions run twice a week and the participants and coaches have created a welcoming environment for all ability levels.
Waruni, aged 43 and from north west London, tells us how the sessions have helped her…
“After the Lionesses victory at the Euros and becoming a fan of Arsenal Women, I was Googling women’s walking football in north London and came across sessions run by Arsenal in the Community. I had been searching for a team sport that I could be involved in again and jumped at the chance to play at The Arsenal Hub. As a lifelong Gooner I was excited to give it a go and see whether it would be a good fit.
“I was a bone cancer patient who had previously undergone chemotherapy and surgery to remove the primary tumour in my leg. Rehab had been quite long but I was finally in a position to get involved in sports again. Unfortunately I am unable to play contact sports anymore, so walking football was a good alternative for me to try. To this day stairs are my nemesis!
“I was very excited to take part in a football session again – I hadn’t played properly since primary school. Football wasn’t an option for girls in my high school so I focused on other ball games.
“Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and felt like I had a proper workout. For someone who dislikes the gym, I was delighted to find a new way to exercise. Walking football is certainly good for the mind, body and soul. I left feeling like I had found my new happy place.
“At the end of last season, Arsenal in the Community organised for all the groups involved to play on the Emirates pitch. It was a very surreal moment – one that I have taken and put on my updated bucket list. It is certainly a day I will never forget. Everyone involved had a fabulous time playing on a warm and sunny day in north London.
“Just before Christmas, we had a walking football session where we got to meet some of the Under-18 Academy players. I loved the session, as did the other ladies. As an Arsenal supporter it was brilliant to have them joining in, with Jack Wilshere participating as well – kind of a ‘pinch me’ moment. I love that it’s not immediately obvious that I have a slight impairment. Walking football has given me a level playing field that allows me to play a sport I truly love. Sport can have a genuine healing power. I wish it could be bottled.
“There is such a nice dynamic within the group. I can say, hand on heart, I’ve met some of the nicest people I know. Our shared love of football has brought us together and I’m thankful for that. I’ve been doing a walking challenge over the last few months to raise money for the Bone Cancer Research Trust. All the support from the ladies has driven me on towards my target. When people back and champion us, it enables us to soar.
“I want to say a big thank you to Dave, Josh and Adam, who coach our walking football sessions, and Rhys from the Health and Wellbeing department. Without them we wouldn’t have the opportunity to play and they always ensure the sessions are fun.
“I feel fitter and have managed to strengthen my leg, which is a massive bonus for me. It has helped with my general wellbeing. I genuinely feel happier when I am playing football and, as a big sports fan, being able to play football again means the world to me.
“The biggest surprise to me is what a wide reach Arsenal in the Community has. The schemes they are running are going from strength to strength. I can definitely see the benefits it has for people. I love the inclusivity and that they are bringing the beautiful game to all groups. I was so impressed with the amputee group.
“I’ve been an Arsenal fan from a young age so being associated with the club and being able to play walking football here is a dream come true. I’ve had the privilege of attending some men’s and women’s matches at the Emirates Stadium this season – I’ve witnessed some brilliant football and screamed my heart out. I apologise to the people sitting near me! My friend who lives near the ground, teases me that he can hear me cheering from his flat.
“Arsenal is my club and I’m so proud of what they’re trying to achieve on and off the pitch. You can see the fans’ connection to the teams shining through and it’s reflected in attendances. A prime example of this is the last two women’s WSL matches being sold out here.
“If you’re interested, I’d say come on down and give it a go – you just might love it. I believe it will have a positive impact. The first step is get out there and get moving. One foot in front of the other and just remember, no running!”
For more information email Rhys Ratcliffe at rratcliffe@arsenal.co.uk
Copyright 2024 The Arsenal Football Club Limited. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to www.arsenal.com as the source.
