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The development of the England Parkinson’s Walking Football Team has two roots.
Initially planted separately before coming together and given sustenance by the Walking Football Association to make what is now the very first National Parkinson’s Walking Football Team.
In 2018 Parkinson’s football was very much in its infancy. Nonetheless, one Charlie Appleyard – a revolutionary in bringing sport to the Parkinson’s community – took a Parkinson’s team to challenge for the Ray Kennedy Cup in Denmark. Though it was traditional running football it was that pioneering trip that gave the notion of developing Parkinson’s football some (shaky) legs.
Stuart, through the auspices of the Walking Football Association helped to give life to the dream and held an England trial at Solihull in 2022. Stuart Carrington was appointed by the WFA as Manager, Keith Johnson his assistant, and Joanne Eastough as physio. This has added skills, expertise and professionalism to the project.
A no running, no contact version of the beautiful game opened up to so many who thought their football days were over, not to mention the possibility of representing the country! The first full England camp took place at Burton in the summer of 2022. December 2022 saw the England Parkinson’s Walking Football Team address their first official fixture in Belfast.
The development of any new project can be a thankless task. People can be difficult to mobilise at the outset. Even more so when apathy is a recognised trait of those living with Parkinson’s. Yet this wagon is rolling. Through the support of the WFA, John and Paul have started something that will not stop. This story deserves so much more attention, and it will without doubt be a story worth reading. Without the benefit of time, of the passing of history, it is difficult to judge this game changing moment for what it is. This England Team has already given so many both hope and enjoyment. It has given players and their families a taste of what they thought had gone.
The next step is to take this game to the regions and ensure Parkinson’s Walking Football has hubs, more hubs, across the country whilst simultaneously becoming a truly international competition. This team will be the catalyst for developing the game and for that we must thank John and Paul, Stuart at the Walking Football Association, and the tireless support of the wider team - coaches Stuart Harrington, Keith Johnson and physio Jo Eastough. Onwards and upwards.