My story: How Parkinson's made me Fighting Fit.
Award winning community football for people with Parkinson's disease in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and London
WE ARE....
FIGHTING FIT FOOTBALL!
FA Grassroots Project of the Year National Winner!
Football for people who have Parkinson's Disease
Exercise is recognised as one of the best ways to manage Parkinson's.
If you are interested in playing football, making new friends and sharing common experiences with others who have Parkinson's in a friendly environment, read on..
WHAT WE DO....
We are FA Grassroots Project of the Year 2022...
This is what we do...
Fighting Fit Football hold regular indoor training sessions and small group matches for people with Parkinson‘s disease.
Based in St Albans, Hertfordshire, we are a friendly and supportive community team whose aim is to encourage people to play football irrespective of their ability. We offer both 5/7 a-side and walking football. It doesn’t matter whether you play regularly or used to play in the past, are a newbie or just fancy a kick about, everyone is welcome to play. Although players are likely to be predominantly from the more active and /or younger members of the Parkinson's community there is no age limit and both men and women are welcome.
Following his own diagnosis aged 45 Club founder and manager Nick Light has been determined to fight the disease through regular exercise and Fighting Fit Football is his way of helping others to do this.
We are an FA affiliated team and are privileged to play every week inside Watford FC's training dome near junction 22 of the M25.
In July 2022 we were delighted to be selected by the FA as their national winner of Grassroots Project of the Year award, in recognition of our work helping the Parkinson's community.
We host special football events whenever we can and have attended events both in the UK and Europe. We are the current Cure Parkinson's Cup holders, the national walking football cup for people with Parkinson's hosted at St George's Park, home of England's national teams.
The What to Expect section explains our approach and ethos of our training sessions. Typically a session will last 1.5 hours and comprise a short warm up and stretching, training and drills, team challenges and small group matches.
Our Club Charter describes our vision, mission and values for our Club and shapes the way we run Fighting Fit Football.
Together we can give Parkinson’s the boot!
Upcoming Events
- Multiple DatesMon, 11 NovWatford Football Club Training Ground11 Nov 2024, 20:00 – 21:45Watford Football Club Training Ground, Bell Ln, Shenley, St Albans AL2 1BZ, UK
WHAT TO EXPECT
We do things a little differently at our sessions to recognise some of the challenges that people with Parkinson’s may face when playing.....
SESSIONS ARE FUN & SUPPORTIVE
First and foremost we want you TO HAVE FUN. Although improving fitness and helping your symptoms is an obvious priority, this can only really be achieved if we are enjoying ourselves. We are very proud of the community we have created and so sessions are designed to be enjoyable and supportive.
EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT
You can do as much or as little as you want depending on ability. Some of you will run around for the entire session and others may wish to go at a slower pace.
FOLLOW MEDICAL ADVICE
Please follow any medical advice given by your specialist, especially relating to exercise and / or medication. Please check before you play what medical limitations may apply to you and do not ignore medical advice
PREMIER LEAGUE PITCHES
We play on Watford FC's very own indoor 4G (artificial) pitches. They typically have better stability, drainage and level playing surfaces than grass, which helps with balance and mobility. We are protected from the elements too!
THIS ISN'T PUB FOOTBALL
No crunching tackles or thumping headers please!
Although competitive spirit is important we want to keep people safe and sessions enjoyable and supportive. Our sessions are low contact at all times.
SMALL TEAMS & PITCHES
We aim for small group games but it will depend on actual numbers at each session. This means typically 5 or 7 a side on quarter or half sized 4G pitches, following small sided & walking football rules.
NO HARD
BALLS
We use size 5 footballs with a weight and design that helps
cushion the ball and increases playability, which is ideal for those looking to minimise the impact on their muscles, joints or balance.
Together we can give Parkinson's the boot!
CONTACT US
If you are interested in attending one of our events for the first time, please register via the Events page.
If you do have any questions feel free to check our FAQ, or please contact us by completing the form.
Alternatively if you use social media please follow the links below where you will be able to get the latest updates about Fighting Fit Football as well as send us a message.