On 20 September 2017, EFDN is hosting the Walking Football Conference - 'Getting Active, Healthy and Socially Engaged' - at the iconic Dutch Papendal national sporting centre in Arnhem.

The conference is an event entirely devoted to broadening the reach of the Walking Football & Walking Sports methodology across Europe.

The European society is rapidly ageing, which makes it necessary to think of smart and innovative solutions to stimulate and encourage the continuation of participation in physical activities and social affairs.

Since the beginning of 2016, EFDN - the European Football for Development Network - has been working in collaboration with 13 football clubs from all across Europe on developing the European Legends Walking Football & Walking Sports methodology, which provides people of 55 years and older with the opportunity to improve their health in an encompassing way. Walking Football & Sports proves to provide participants with exactly these physical, mental and social well-being benefits.

At the conference, key figures that are involved in the EFDN European Legends Walking Football programme and representatives of European football clubs, leagues and national associations will be present, delivering presentations that will widen perspectives of Walking Football & Sports, including the adaptation of the methodology for target groups with particular health conditions.

Additionally, workshops will be offered for clubs that are new to the sport and would like to implement the programme in their local community.

Among others, presentations and workshops will be facilitated by representatives of SL Benfica, Fulham FC, VfL Wolfsburg, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton FC.

The event is free of charge and starts at 10:00am and ends at 4:00pm local time. During the course of the day there will be the opportunity to visit the European Legends Walking Football Festival.

A version of this article is also available in Russian.

Published 23/08/2017