A much-loved walking football initiative for people with Parkinson’s is relaunching this May in Sheffield – and for Bernard and his family, it’s been life-changing.

Thanks to funding from Parkinson’s UK Sheffield, Community Wellness Services is bringing back its free weekly Walking Football sessions – an opportunity for people with Parkinson’s to move more, build friendships, and enjoy the beautiful game in a supportive, safe environment.

For Bernard, a lifelong Manchester United fan, football has always been more than a hobby – it’s been a lifeline. After his diagnosis in 2017, he shifted from traditional football to walking football, staying active despite increasing symptoms. But the pandemic changed everything.

“My dad’s condition got a lot worse – he and my mum had less opportunity to get out and exercise during the lockdowns,” says Helen Corcoran, Bernard’s daughter.

“He recalled feeling stiff and shaky, slow and unmotivated before football games – but feeling completely fluid and almost symptom-free as soon as it got going. He missed the camaraderie, and feeling like the person he still is, outside of his symptoms.”

Helen describes discovering Community Wellness Services as a turning point.

“The team are kind, respectful and understanding about Dad’s symptoms. We noticed him standing taller and more confidently after one-to-one exercise sessions. It felt like a safe place for him to work on his balance and muscle strength – no off day seemed to phase them.”

But for Bernard, nothing quite compares to football.  Helen continues:

“There’s nothing like scoring a goal for your team to elevate your dopamine levels! We tried to find another walking football team, but they were well attended and mostly made up of able-bodied players. We just didn’t feel confident Dad would be able to safely navigate the pace.”

That changed when Lee Hardy, Community Partnership & Engagement Manager at Community Wellness Services, began gathering interest for a dedicated Parkinson’s Walking Football group.

“We were really hopeful,” Helen recalls. “My husband – another footie fanatic – went with Dad to the first session. We fully expected him to ‘freeze’ – a horrible symptom where the brain seems to ‘jam’ and Dad can’t move without help.

“During that first session, Dad fell over twice in the first few minutes. He seemed to forget about his symptoms, really go for the ball – and toppled over! On one occasion he got back up and ran up and down the pitch to loosen up. I haven’t seen my dad run in years.”

As the sessions continued and more people joined, the game became more enjoyable. Bernard stopped falling. Players returned week after week.

“The team at Community Wellness Services just get it,” says Helen. “They treat people with Parkinson’s with dignity, patience, and real understanding. Dad stands taller after every session.”

Now, with the relaunch of the Parkinson’s Walking Football sessions, Bernard and others like him are returning to the pitch once again this May.

“Walking Football is more than just a game – it’s a chance for people to reclaim a part of themselves, to laugh, to feel included, and to move in a way that works for them,” says Lee Hardy. 

“We're proud to be creating a space where people feel safe, seen, and supported.”

The sessions are open to both men and women of all fitness levels. And while the players are on the pitch, carers and partners are invited to relax and connect in the Community Café for Carers – a welcoming social space created to support those who often go unseen.

These free sessions have been made possible thanks to the collaboration of several key partners.

Amber Stott from the Sheffield United Community Foundation said:

“The Health and Wellbeing department at Sheffield United Community Foundation are excited to be working alongside CWS and Sheffield Parkinson's UK for the launch of the new walking football session,” 

Kate Smedley from Leisure United said:

“Leisure United are proud to work with Community Wellness Services to offer walking football sessions tailored for individuals with Parkinsons, providing accessible sport, social connection and pier support” 

Richard Banyard from Parkinson’s UK Sheffield said:

“Sheffield Parkinson’s UK is very pleased to support the plans for Walking Football in Graves Park at the Graves Football Hub on Bochum Parkway, commencing on Monday 12th May.”

“The local Parkinson’s UK Sheffield Support Group raises money for activities and events for local people affected by Parkinson’s.  We have been happy to make available some extra funds to help with starting off this exciting new Walking Football venture in 2025, and wish it every success.”