Try Walking Rugby at Trafford MV to improve fitness and expand your social circle

By Wilf Dooley

Sporting activities for our mature citizens is gradually improving as we become less satisfied with sitting in front of the TV, roaming around coffee shops and reading in libraries.

Many older men and women still want to out there, in all weathers, keeping active, improving their fitness and enjoying sport as part of their day to day routine.

The development of walking sports is gathering momentum as a little bit of competition is thrown into the walking habit. Versions of football, netball and also rugby now have their place in the local sporting landscape.

In Sale walking Rugby has existed for the last  5 years, and more, at Trafford MV Sports Club at M33 6LR where on a Wednesday evening, come rain or shine, a dedicated group of players enjoy an hours sport followed by a social get together in the Clubhouse.

With almost 50 members the group thrives and continues to add players on a regular basis, usually up to 20 players could attend a particular session.

What is Walking Rugby? – It is a simplified version of Rugby Union – which as it says on the tin, does not involve running or jogging – just a quick a walk as you can manage.

The aim of the game is evasion not contact so tackling is just a two handed touch above the waist – physical contact is minimal. There is no kicking of the ball and the object is to move your team forwards in order to score a try – whilst passing the ball backwards.

A scenario you will soon get used to if not having played before. The club encourages players to play at their own pace, dipping out for a rest if it gets too energetic.

Rules will be provided but in game coaching is provided for novices. You certainly get your step count up if you fully engage in the game and there is no onus attached to winners and losers – the group play the game to enjoy ourselves and to get some exercise.

Walking Rugby has groups up and down the length of the country and Trafford MV recently attended a walking rugby festival in Kendal, Cumbria which was attended by teams from Lincolnshire, Scotland, Yorkshire, Lancashire as well as Kendal themselves.

Nearly 80 players participated with the eldest being 82 years of age. It was a fabulous event, played in very warm weather, and was enjoyed by all. Great to see so called old folk out enjoying physical activity.

Rugby experience is not required to play walking Rugby, just enthusiasm and a will to join in. Over 50’s is a standard age and we will welcome anybody wishing to give walking rugby a try.

You are invited to meet up at Trafford MV Sports Club. Finny Bank Road, Sale M33 6LR on Wed evenings at 6.15pm for a 6.30pm start. You will be outdoors so please dress for the weather and if possible wear studded footwear or training shoes/walking shoes with a good grip – as the grass can be slippy, even when dry.

For info you can contact wilfdooley@virginmedia.com or on 07771 913994

The club look forward to welcoming new players over the coming weeks as we start to get the warmer, drier Summer weather. You will find everyone friendly and all in the group enjoy their social time as much as the walking rugby. So don’t be shy – it’s well worth a TRY !

Sporting activities for our mature citizens is gradually improving as we become less satisfied with sitting in front of the TV, roaming around coffee shops and reading in libraries. Many older men and women still want to out there, in all weathers, keeping active, improving their fitness and enjoying sport as part of their day to day routine.

The development of walking sports is gathering momentum as a little bit of competition is thrown into the walking habit. Versions of football, netball and also rugby now have their place in the local sporting landscape. In Sale walking Rugby has existed for the last  5 years, and more, at Trafford MV Sports Club at M33 6LR where on a Wednesday evening, come rain or shine, a dedicated group of players enjoy an hours sport followed by a social get together in the Clubhouse. With almost 50 members the group thrives and continues to add players on a regular basis, usually up to 20 players could attend a particular session.

What is Walking Rugby? – It is a simplified version of Rugby Union – which as it says on the tin, does not involve running or jogging – just a quick a walk as you can manage. The aim of the game is evasion not contact so tackling is just a two handed touch above the waist – physical contact is minimal. There is no kicking of the ball and the object is to move your team forwards in order to score a try – whilst passing the ball backwards. A scenario you will soon get used to if not having played before. We encourage players to play at their own pace, dipping out for a rest if it gets too energetic. Rules will be provided but in game coaching is provided for novices. You certainly get your step count up if you fully engage in the game and there is no onus attached to winners and losers – we play the game to enjoy ourselves and to get some exercise.

Walking Rugby has groups up and down the length of the country and Trafford MV recently attended a walking rugby festival in Kendal, Cumbria which was attended by teams from Lincolnshire, Scotland, Yorkshire, Lancashire as well as Kendal themselves. Nearly 80 players participated with the eldest being 82 years of age. It was a fabulous event, played in very warm weather, and was enjoyed by all. Great to see so called old folk out enjoying physical activity.

Rugby experience is not required to play walking Rugby, just enthusiasm and a will to join in. Over 50’s is a standard age and we will welcome anybody wishing to give walking rugby a try. We meet at Trafford MV Sports Club. Finny Bank Road, Sale M33 6LR on Wed evenings at 6.15pm for a 6.30pm start. We play outdoors so please dress for the weather and if possible wear studded footwear or training shoes/walking shoes with a good grip – as the grass can be slippy, even when dry. For info you can contact wilfdooley@virginmedia.com or on 07771 913994

We look forward to welcoming new players over the coming weeks as we start to get the warmer, drier Summer weather. You will find us a friendly group who enjoy their social time as much as the walking rugby. So don’t be shy – it’s well worth a TRY !