dim view, on 07 June 2019 - 11:14 AM, said:
Isn't there a form of words that would satisfy people like you who care so much about the importance of historical accuracy?
Isn't it true both that walking football was not invented in Chesterfield but that Chesterfield could take massive credit for developing and organising the infrastructure that kick started the world wide interest?
Surely somebody like Pete could put some creative thought into it so everybody is happy.
In 2010 the Football Foundation and Sport Relief launched the Extra Time initiative aimed at inclusion for over 55s. John went to a meeting at the Cliff Training Ground of Manchester United and returned suggesting that the Trust should organise walking Football. Those working the trust looked at Walking for Health, Tea Dances and heritage social events. There was also a commitment to "age related football activities". John pushed walking Football and Andy Morris, and later I, researched the game particularly with other CCOs. Despite suggestions of projects at the likes of Charlton and Manchester City, there was no evidence that any football club was running this as an inclusive activity.
Our version was launched in 2011 as a free activity at Queens Park and it was publicised on the Club website and then Sky Sports. As a result many organisations contacted us for details of the project. With a request for the rules Rachel Booth worked with John and Andy as well as Adan Norman to devise rules to send to others. These laid down a perfect scenario but also made the game accessible so it could be played under almost any circumstances. I remember a suggestion from Adam about a marked zone that supplemented rolling substitutions.
I am sure that there were forms of the game around at this time, particularly for injury rehabilitation. I also know that the concept has been used for charity and fun events going back to the nineteenth century. However the current health related inclusion sport as well as the national and international elite events owe much to John's efforts and the team at the Trust a few years ago.