The growth in women’s football following the success of England’s Lionesses is well known – but there has also been an impact at the other end of the age scale and a grant from Broadacres is helping a former professional to hit the back of the net with her new initiative.

Walking football sessions set up in Stokesley by ex-professional footballer and Consultant Occupational Therapist, Janette Hynes MBE, has attracted a wide range of people – including many men and women aged from 18 to 70+.

Some were referred by GPs, including those at risk of diabetes or social isolation and one man with Parkinson’s Disease who finds it helps his balance and co-ordination and is enjoying being part of the team.

A qualified UEFA B coach, Janette has combined her twin skills of football and healthcare, designing many programmes to improve people’s physical and mental health – Janette was awarded an MBE in 2008 in recognition of her achievements.

She recently moved to Stokesley and set up walking football sessions initially as a trial to gauge interest. They proved popular and Janette successfully applied for a £350 grant from Broadacres to fund a pitch at Stokesley Leisure Centre to allow further sessions to be run at a low cost to participants.

“The beauty of walking football is that it is very low impact, so you can play no matter what level of fitness or physical challenges.  We have players who have back, hip and knee conditions,” said Janette. “It gets people back into enjoying sport and the social interaction and health and wellbeing benefits that brings.”

The money came from the Association’s Community Development Fund which supports local organisations, groups, and projects in areas where Broadacres has homes. All grants are approved by the Association’s own residents via a voting scheme using tokens similar to how Tesco award grants in its stores.

To apply to the Fund visit the Community Development Fund grant page.