Walsall Council backs walking football project for veterans
Published on
Walsall Council is supporting Walsall FC Foundation’s new walking football initiative for veterans and the broader armed forces community, which will be launched at the Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium on Tuesday 17 June 2025.
Walsall FC Foundation, the official charity of Walsall Football Club, is delivering the walking football sessions for veterans and serving members of the armed forces and their families as part of its new Health Hub.
In addition to the weekly walking football sessions, the Health Hub also offers coffee mornings for everyone within the armed forces community. These activities will take place every Tuesday between 10AM-12PM.
“ I have met with the Walsall FC Foundation on a number of occasions over the last few years and have heard how keen they were to do more for our armed forces, veterans, and their families. I think this is a great initiative by the club and I am very happy for the Council to support them in this endeavour.
For their selfless service and sacrifices, our armed forces and veterans deserve recognition and dedicated support, and this project is a great way to give something back, offering social connection, fitness, and fun. It shows how sport can bring people together and help tackle isolation. This initiative is a fitting way to set the tone for Armed Forces Day, which we will celebrate later this month. “
“ Since the Club and Foundation signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2023, we’ve been exploring ways we can offer bespoke support for the Armed Forces Community.
While the Club engage with Armed Forces personnel on our military matchdays, we were keen to offer regular activities to build and grow the community further through Walsall FC Foundation.
We consulted a number of those with links to the Armed Forces, including Walsall FC season ticket holders and community veterans’ groups, and are pleased to now offer these sessions from June. “
Financial support has been provided through Walsall Council’s Resilient Communities Community Buildings and Cohesion Team, who support and equip the voluntary, community and faith sector around the Borough
Around 2.2% of Walsall’s population is identified as a member or veteran of the armed forces, equating to around 6,500 people – many of whom will also have families who fall within the Armed Forces Covenant.
For more information on the Armed Forces Hub and other Walsall FC Foundation health activities, please contact chris.springthorpe@walsallfc.co.uk or visit walsallfcfoundation.com/health.
