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In Dungannon, the local MensReach have dedicated their Thursday mornings to keeping active through walking football. The rules are straightforward: you cannot run.
Four years ago, former Baptist pastor Philip Boyd felt concerned at the reality that men find it hard to talk.
In 2022, the idea of a MensReach group was established and he set up a range of activities to cater for the hobbies of men living in the Dungannon area so they can come along, feel welcome and stay active.
The most popular activity that took off was walking football, and so far the group have welcomed many men from all walks of life to come together every Thursday morning and have fun through different warm-up drills, before the much-loved match at Dungannon Swifts.
''Walking football is considered to be low impact. We have guys who come along who have maybe had strokes, some have had heart attacks or ill health and they can use it as part of their rehabilitation," Boyd told BBC Sport NI.
''Their doctors approve it and it's a good way to raise the heart rate without being in any form of danger."
The group, based on Scotch Street in Dungannon, see people of all ages coming through the door, from teenagers to octogenarians, with Boyd explaining that it's important for them to feel they have a purpose.
''Our overall principle is that we want men to look after their physical, mental and spiritual health," he said.
"We believe in the mind, body and soul. We try to encourage activities that will help physical and mobility, emotional health and being part of a community that does that.
''We offer growth groups that allow men to come and ask questions about life and purpose. We also have activities like an open door where men in the community can come in and ask their questions. We act as a sign post and refer to what's available in the town to help along the way.''
Kenny spent 18 months at Crusaders [BBC Sport]
Kenny Swan, former Crusaders and Dungannon Swifts player, knew Boyd through work and started attending the group just over a year ago.
He plays with some of the men he has got to know through the group.
''I always wanted to keep fit so I came to MensReach for the the walk on the Tuesday," said Swan.
"I thoroughly enjoyed that so I then came and done the walking football and the pilates, and I've found its even helped my golf.
''With having played football, I did find it hard when I came at the start. I was always pushing the ball on front of the guys and they couldn't run onto it. I had to learn myself to pass it like that.
"They're all different standards but everybody competes and does their best and that's what it's all about.''
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Four years ago, former Baptist pastor Philip Boyd felt concerned at the reality that men find it hard to talk.
In 2022, the idea of a MensReach group was established and he set up a range of activities to cater for the hobbies of men living in the Dungannon area so they can come along, feel welcome and stay active.
The most popular activity that took off was walking football, and so far the group have welcomed many men from all walks of life to come together every Thursday morning and have fun through different warm-up drills, before the much-loved match at Dungannon Swifts.
''Walking football is considered to be low impact. We have guys who come along who have maybe had strokes, some have had heart attacks or ill health and they can use it as part of their rehabilitation," Boyd told BBC Sport NI.
''Their doctors approve it and it's a good way to raise the heart rate without being in any form of danger."
The group, based on Scotch Street in Dungannon, see people of all ages coming through the door, from teenagers to octogenarians, with Boyd explaining that it's important for them to feel they have a purpose.
''Our overall principle is that we want men to look after their physical, mental and spiritual health," he said.
"We believe in the mind, body and soul. We try to encourage activities that will help physical and mobility, emotional health and being part of a community that does that.
''We offer growth groups that allow men to come and ask questions about life and purpose. We also have activities like an open door where men in the community can come in and ask their questions. We act as a sign post and refer to what's available in the town to help along the way.''
'Everybody competes and does their best'
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Kenny spent 18 months at Crusaders [BBC Sport]
Kenny Swan, former Crusaders and Dungannon Swifts player, knew Boyd through work and started attending the group just over a year ago.
He plays with some of the men he has got to know through the group.
''I always wanted to keep fit so I came to MensReach for the the walk on the Tuesday," said Swan.
"I thoroughly enjoyed that so I then came and done the walking football and the pilates, and I've found its even helped my golf.
''With having played football, I did find it hard when I came at the start. I was always pushing the ball on front of the guys and they couldn't run onto it. I had to learn myself to pass it like that.
"They're all different standards but everybody competes and does their best and that's what it's all about.''
You must be registered for see images
Continue reading...
