A WALKING football club has been created for people with Parkinson's.

This is the first Parkinson’s walking football club in the area to be created.

Founder and rehab therapist, Mark Seal, recognised that there are multiple walking football clubs around the BCP area, but none for people with Parkinson's.

He wanted to put the focus on Parkinson's specifically because research has shown how exercise can improve gait, balance, tremor, flexibility, grip strength and motor coordination.

The club, Parkinson’s Warriors, is open to all ages and all abilities.

As well as the physical benefits this club can offer, Mark also wants to focus on the social side.

He said: “I wanted to make a club that was specifically aimed at people who have Parkinson's, so people who join can relate to each other and create that safe space without any judgement and making people feel comfortable.”

Mark hopes that this club will enable members to build relationships and communicate with others that share similarities.

The club has just had its launch on Wednesday, October 23.

Mark said: “I was driving down with butterflies in my stomach worried nobody would turn up but was amazed to see we had over 20 players.”

The club has received a grant of £1000 from the Walking Football Association, that will go towards pitch hire, equipment and the possibility of specific clothing in the future.

The club meet every Wednesday at 2pm at Pelhams Leisure Centre in Kinson.

However, the social group isn't only social on the pitch, there’s also the chance to connect with others in the nearby café afterwards.

Mark said: “We are also very focused on making sure there is a social scene off the pitch.

“It's fantastic seeing people come together who have Parkinson's talking about things and enjoying themselves.”

The club has already been invited to play against other Parkinson’s walking football clubs from other areas of the UK.

Mark added he hopes the club will “attract as many people with Parkinson's as possible to come down each week for some exercise and also for social interaction to help with mental wellbeing”.