Oxfordshire FA is pleased to announce a new partnership with Breakspeare Clinics, who have kindly pledged their support to Walking Football across Oxfordshire.

Walking Football is exactly what the name says; football, but played at a walking pace to enable players unable to run to enjoy everything the game has to offer.

Breakspeare Clinics can provide direct access to specialist professional physiotherapy, osteopathy, podiatry, and complimentary therapy services to players across Oxfordshire, with Breakspeare, who are based in the Chipping Norton and Didcot areas, capable of providing services and support throughout the county.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the format of Walking Football has surged in growth, with the slower-paced version of the beautiful game becoming increasingly popular across Oxfordshire and beyond.

“My local Walking Football session has had a huge positive impact on my physical and mental wellbeing,” one Walking Football participant said. “The football is great, and the socialising afterwards has been life-changing. I have been injured for a while, and when receiving treatment still come every week to see the friends I made here.”

With 21,000 players across 170 local football clubs throughout Oxfordshire, everything we do at Oxfordshire FA is designed to help promote physical and mental health and wellbeing. 

Recent statistics have shown that the socio-economic impact of grassroots football saves the NHS in Oxfordshire £45M every year, through the health benefits the game provides to players.

Our Health and Wellbeing Support page contains a wide range of free resources for everyone involved in local football.

Jonathan Duckworth, CEO at Oxfordshire FA, said: “The Oxfordshire Football Association proactively promotes the competitive Oxfordshire Veterans’ League and Oxfordshire Walking Football League, which itself has three divisions, and 19 six-a-side teams. In addition, it provides additional opportunities for older people aged 50, 60, and 70-plus to participate in local recreational sessions; offering turn-up-and-play opportunities which are fun, inclusive, sociable, and provide a positive impact on overall health and wellbeing.”

Paul Wray of Breakspeare Clinics was an international athlete for England and Great Britain. With almost 30 years of experience as a Chartered Physiotherapist, Paul has helped thousands of people resolve their pain and mobility issues, as well as preventing problems occurring in the future.

He said: “We are really excited to be partnering with Oxfordshire FA and supporting the fantastic football community across the county. At Breakspeare Clinics, we are passionate about helping players stay fit, injury-free, and enjoying their football for as long as possible. This partnership is a great opportunity to provide expert care and support to those involved in the game, from beginners to veterans, ensuring the can keep playing and performing at their best.”

To learn more about Breakspeare Clinics, please click here. Alternatively, you can click here to book an appointment.

Breakspeare also provide presentations for clubs and local companies. You can access them here.