Eyecare clinic, Newmedica Harrogate, have provided funding to buy Harrogate Town's Walking Football Club new bibs.
As part of a new affiliation between Newmedica Harrogate and Harrogate Town's Walking Club, the local eyecare clinic are providing funding to purchase new bibs for team.
Research has found that keeping fit and healthy physically has a positive affect on eye health. This motivated Newmedica's sight-saving clinic to support local sporting communities.
The Walking Football Club is a brilliant way to connect with others and get fit. It offers weekly sessions to over 50s, providing the joys of football in a low impact, non-contact game.
It had come to the club's attention that their old bibs were no longer fit for purpose. They were worn, ill-fitting and members had expressed dissatisfaction. The club was determined to take action.
After Newmedica Harrogate offered support, the club was able to listen and respond to their members' requests. They could ensure the bibs were high quality and would cater to all shapes and sizes to make each player feel comfortable and confident. This was crucial to maintaining the club's values of keeping players safe and healthy.
Lynsey Barraclough, Head of Community Foundation at Harrogate Town AFC CIO, said:
"We were absolutely delighted when Newmedica Harrogate offered their support. Thanks to their funding, we’ve been able to listen and respond to our members, sourcing high-quality bibs in a full range of sizes to ensure everyone feels comfortable and included. It’s allowed us to make this improvement at minimal cost to participants - and the teams look fantastic out on the pitch too."
Taking part in walking football can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabtetes and strokes. It also is an amazing method to kick loneliness aside and improve your mental health.
A study by the British Journal of Sports Medicine in 2023 found that physical activity, including walking football, is 1.5 times more effective a treating mild-depression and anxiety than conventional methods including counselling and medication.
Harrogate Town's Walking Football Club offer training sessions to both men and women on Monday in Knaresborough and Ripon and Thursdays in Harrogate.
Steve Kirk, Operations Director at Newmedica Harrogate says:
"We are excited to have partnered with Harrogate Town’s Walking Football Club, reinforcing our commitment to community health and wellbeing. By working together, we continue to promote active lifestyles and social connections for people of all ages.
"It was fantastic to see the team in action during the friendly half-time crossbar challenge at the club’s recent match against Cheltenham FC, proudly sporting their new bibs.
"This partnership reflects our shared commitment to making football more accessible and inclusive across Harrogate, and we look forward to supporting many more community initiatives in the future."
Founded in 2007, Newmedica care for more than 306,000 patients a year across 30 locations in England.
Newmedica Harrogate, based in Grove Park Court, provide treatments and services for a number of conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts to residents across the region.
This includes residents in Harrogate, Summerbridge, Markington, Borough Scriven, Ripon and surrounding areas. It is run by consultant ophthalmologists Aldrin Khan, Kamran Khan, David Dunleavy and David Richards, alongside operations director, Steve Kirk.
For further information about Newmedica Harrogate, visit www.newmedica.co.uk/clinics/
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