MP praises local football for dementia group

Philip Dunne, Conservative MP for the Ludlow, has praised a local group who arrange regular walking football games for people with dementia.

In Highley this week Mr Dunne met players and their carers after a game of indoor walking football. Walking football has specific rules preventing running and contact between players – reducing any chance of injury. The group meet every two weeks at the Severn Centre in Highley and welcome new players from across South Shropshire.

Mr Dunne said: “This is a brilliant initiative to help people with dementia in our community and their carers combat social isolation, and enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of sport – clearly evident from the enthusiastic group I met at the Severn Centre in Highley.

Walking football’s rules mean it is a great way for older people to participate in sport with reduced chance of injury. Players come from as far away as Ludlow and Bridgnorth, so this is a sociable event for anyone across South Shropshire. Anyone interested can get in touch with organiser George Buckley, who is a real enthusiast for helping others.”