ClubWatch: Natasha Dowie and Becky Easton join LFC Foundation's walking football session

The sessions take place weekly in Kirkby and are supported by official club partner Coca-Cola and delivered by LFC Foundation’s Red Neighbours team.

This is LFC Foundation’s first ever women’s walking football team and aims to tackle social isolation and get people more physically active and help to build friendships.

The ladies who take part come from all walks of life and have overcome a range of challenges in their life, including strokes, brain injuries and domestic abuse. The session allows these women to come together and support each other on their journeys, allowing them to improve both their physical and mental health.

“I think the most important thing is people are playing with smiles on their faces, it’s about people just getting out and being active, having fun and seeing their friends,” said Dowie.

“Some play for fun, some are a bit more competitive and I think it’s good for you, it’s fresh air and you get your steps in. Even for myself, someone who has just recently retired, it’s nice to just get out and kick a ball again because you miss it, you miss being part of a team and you get that here.”

Jennifer Dargan, senior co-ordinator at LFC Foundation, added: “With Coca-Cola’s support, LFC Foundation can expand these sessions, we provide the ladies with some kit so they feel more confident when they arrive at tournaments and events. It also just gives us that funding to be able to grow in the community and that’s what is important.”