Westminster clash for Writtle walking football team
Match against politicians gives club visibility in the fight against dementia
Action from the match between national politicians and Writtle Walking Football Club
A walking football team based at ARU Writtle, which is made up of players living with dementia, has taken on a team of MPs in London.
Writtle Walking Football Club has been set up by staff at ARU Writtle for men and women over the age of 50 who are living with dementia.
The team has links with the Alzheimer’s Society, which helped set up the match against MPs, giving them the chance to speak with politicians about issues facing those living with the condition.
At the match at a pitch in Vauxhall, Writtle’s players faced a team including Harlow MP Chris Vince, Jack Abbott, Chris Bloore, Al Carns, Bobby Dean, Justin Madders and Lord Graham Evans.
The team, which meets weekly at ARU Writtle’s campus, was set up around five years ago by ARU Writtle lecturer Oliver Markham and is attended by players from across Essex. ARU Writtle students Esther Elad and Noah Williams have also been involved, volunteering at training sessions.
Markham is proud that the team provides a valuable opportunity for people living with dementia, and their families and carers, to socialise with other people battling similar issues.
“Living with dementia can be very isolating and some of the people that come to us on a Wednesday might not have seen anyone else that day. The aim has been to give people a social activity to take part in. We always encourage the families or carers of the players to come along too and sometimes join in – it can be really important for them too.
“The match against the MPs was organised through our links with the Alzheimer’s Society and it was a fantastic day out for the team. It helps keep dementia on the agenda of the MPs that came along on the day, and we are grateful for their support.”
ARU Writtle lecturer Oliver MarkhamAnyone interested in finding out more about the walking football sessions can contact [email protected]