Dementia Walking Football Coach

• Stenhousemuir Football Club

• VO103643

Walking football is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. In Scotland there are 6000+ men & women participating in what is more than just a sport - it's a shared passion that unites communities, while offering physical, social and mental health wellbeing opportunities. Football clubs are often uniquely placed to make a meaningful difference, particularly for those impacted by dementia to reach out and support people who struggle to access more traditional dementia services, such as those offered in hospitals and day centres. In relation to experiencing life with dementia, initiatives such as walking football provide a connection and a constant in the context of a condition characterised by loss. This can include a loss of memories, loss of mental and physical capabilities, loss of social connections and loss of self and identity.

Consequently, Stenhousemuir FC Community Foundation are facilitating dementia-specific walking football sessions to help meet the needs of older people in the community, of which a significant proportion will be affected by dementia – either as someone with a diagnosis, or as a family member or friend providing support.
Following the practical session, we will be offering a reminiscence session within the stadium hosted by Sporting Memories along with tea, coffee, biscuits and perhaps a pie & bovril. The volunteer is not expected to assist with this aspect but will be welcome to attend.

This volunteering opportunity is to act as coach in the new dementia-specific walking football programme at Stenhousemuir FC's Ochilview Park, to deliver structured football related and non-related exercises and practices. The 16 week pilot programme will be free to participants, will run once a week and, following evaluation, is expected to extend throughout the year.
Previous involvement in football coaching is desirable, but not essential as the level of coaching will be limited to meet the needs of the participants. This is a fantastic opportunity for the volunteer to engage with people in an activity which has been shown to have value and which can increase the volunteers understanding, knowledge and confidence.

Experience required

The volunteer should have a kind, compassionate and empathetic attitude. Previous coaching in a sport or physical activity would be beneficial, but not essential.

Travel details

The programme will be delivered at Stenhousemuir Football Club, Ochilview Park, Gladstone Road, Stenhousemuir.
Stenhousemuir has excellent transport links by bus, rail and road.

Travel expenses

Expenses provided to attend training in Glasgow only.
Weekly expenses are not available.

• About
• Location
• Notes

Support

Training details

The volunteer will be expected to complete an online dementia awareness course and attend at Toryglen Regional Football Centre, Glasgow, to observe & learn from the dementia walking football sessions provide by Glasgow Life (expenses for this will be covered).

Restrictions

Minimum age: 18
PVG required.

Availability

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Morning

Afternoon

Evening

Frequency & commitment

Tuesdays 10:30am - 11:30am

Volunteers (aged 18-25) taking part in this opportunity are eligible to claim Saltire Awards hours for their activity.
Find out more

This volunteering opportunity is also advertised across Falkirk.

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