Love the beautiful game? Want to hit the court again for a game of netball? Playing these games again need not be a distant memory even if your fitness levels aren’t quite what they used to be. Walking versions of football and netball are now being offered at Jack Kane Sports Centre to encourage people to get back into sport.

Walking netball and football will run on Thursday mornings from 10.30-11.30am.  The walking netball is being run in partnership with Netball Scotland and will run from 1-29 March; and the football is being run in conjunction with community sport hub club Edina Hibs and will commence from 8 March. The first two sessions of both the walking netball (1^st and 8th March) and the walking football (8^th and 15^th March) are free of charge and then cost £2.00 per person. There is no booking required, just drop in and join the sessions.

And for those a little fitter and who fancy themselves as a Harlem Globetrotter, Pick-Up Basketball is also being offered at Jack Kane. A BasketballScotland programme, aimed at 16-35 years, it’s about providing opportunities for people who want to play basketball but without the rigidity and the pressure of gym memberships, club fees and league play. Sessions run on a Monday evening from 20.00 to 21.00 and are open to anyone 16 years or older.  Sessions cost £3.00 per player and are on a pay as you go basis.

Phil Trodden, Community Sport Hub Coordinator at Edinburgh Leisure said: “We’re hoping that by providing low-cost sport opportunities to get people active and back into sport and that by running the football and netball sessions side by side, it might encourage older couples to sign up.  Having said that though, all ages and levels of fitness are welcome.
“Older people who have taken part in walking football and netball before have seen many benefits including lower heart rates and blood pressure, less fat and more muscle, and better mobility. And it’s not just health benefits – it’s also really sociable. Participants can meet new people, avoid becoming isolated, and interact with individuals and small groups. These are sporting activities that are suitable for all.”

For more information contact Phil Trodden at communitysportshubs@edinburghleisure.co.uk or call 07701 397 627.