A Walking Football programme which aims to get people back into the beautiful game after injury, has been highly commended in the Active Essex Sports Awards.

The programme, run by Epping Forest District Council’s sports development team, was shortlisted in the Changing Lives through Sport and Physical Activity category.

Weekly drop-in sessions offer support to over 50 participants to become more physically active while also improving mental wellbeing and making friends in the process.

It’s been so successful that a second weekly session has been introduced on a Friday evening.

“Walking Football is designed to help people keep an active lifestyle despite their age as well as helping players recover from injury,” said Will Fordham who runs the programme. “I am over the moon that it has been recognised.”

Sessions take place at Town Mead Leisure Park, Waltham Abbey on Tuesdays between 11.30 and 12.30 and on Fridays 5-6pm. The cost is just £2.50.

Active Essex Sports Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of the many clubs, groups, coaches, schools, workplaces, athletes and volunteers throughout the county.