Football, fitness, and friendship: The Active Football story
Burnley Leisure and Culture’s Active Football session is a hat trick hero on and off the pitch, providing a programme that combines football, fitness and friendship.
Having started in 2016, the session has gone from strength to strength. With three to four participants turning up in the early days, it now has 30-40 individuals from a variety of backgrounds and abilities taking part.
Wes Winchester, who works as a Sports Activator on Burnley Leisure’s Active Streets team, manages the Active Football session. He spoke about how the growing popularity of the programme meant the venue was moved from St Peter’s Centre to the Prairie Sports Village to accommodate the increased demand.
“We were at St. Peter’s Centre,” Wes explained. “We had a group of four. And then, obviously, when more people came down, it was just at capacity because the sports hall isn’t very big really. You can only do five-a-side in there. And here, we’ve got full access to the 4G pitch.”
Originally aimed at people who had retired, the session was expanded to reach a wider demographic. It now attracts people of all ages as well as those who might be nervous about getting out and participating in physical activity.
Wes further explains: “There are a few people who come down who don’t like to use a gym. They’re a bit body-conscious about going to the gym, so this is just a different session for them, obviously to keep fit. Rather than going on the treadmill and stuff, they come here, and they’ve achieved quite a lot.”
Football is often regarded as a universal language that brings people together from all walks of life. This is one of the things that appeals the most to Manchester United fan John about the session.
“The benefits for me have been the camaraderie,” said John. “All the different types of ages and people – some with illnesses, disabilities, mixed sexes playing together – it really brings a community spirit together. We’ve got a gentleman here called Vitto; he’s in his 70s. Everyone’s just wanting to have a fun time. There’s no aggression, and it makes it more of a passionate laugh really.”
Retiree Mick, one of the earliest benefactors of the session, whose story featured in this year’s 10-year impact report, talked about how getting involved has helped him keep his mind stimulated.
“One thing when you’re working is it’s bed and work,” Mick explained. “And you have no time, whereas, when you retire, your time rich. It’s about how you fill your time. One of the things with being a keen sportsman is that I wanted to get involved in some sporting sessions.”
Not only has Mick put his skills to the test on the football pitch but also through the power of the spoken word. He participates in the monthly poetry evenings hosted at the Burnley Mechanics Theatre by Stephanie Jessup. Mick feels this offers him a chance to channel his creative side as well as giving everyone a platform to share their experiences in life.
“I love the creative process of writing poetry,” Mick said. “While you’re experiencing things every day on a sort of personal level, I don’t know about that. But then if you’re expressing those feelings, those experiences, you’re telling me something I don’t know. And you know, sharing’s a wonderful thing.”
When asked to sum up in three words what taking part meant to him, John said, “Community. Fun. Mixed ages.”
So, if you’re looking to try something new, look no further than the Active Football session on Mondays and Fridays from 11 am at the Prairie Sports Village. Each session is £3 or free to members. To book your place, contact the Active Streets team on 07976 321 491 or email wwinchester@blcgroup.co.uk.
