Abstract
BackgroundComparatively to Great British city regions, the Welsh Coalfield regions experience distinct disparities relating to mental and physical health outcomes. These include, a higher number of older adults, a lower life expectancy, higher rates of disability living allowance, and incapacity benefit claimants. More needs to be done to improve the health of older adults in former Welsh mining communities. Within the Welsh Coalfield regions, and in relation to women’s sport, football has a rich history. Sport, despite past gender inequalities, remains an integral part of Welsh identity, with Walking Football being the latest manifestation of this. Walking Football is an adapted sport with potential benefits for participants, including physical, mental, and social advantages. Considering the growing popularity and potential to address concerns within the Welsh Coalfields, further research in Welsh Walking Football is necessary. The aim of this thesis was therefore to ascertain the perceived benefits of Walking Football within the former coal mining regions of Wales.
Methods
The project utilised two research methods: a scoping review of existing Walking Football literature and focus group interviews. Following the review of literature, four focus groups were conducted across two clubs in South Wales' former coal mining areas to delve into perceived benefits, learning experiences, facilities, affordability, and suitability. There were two focus groups, one which involved a Walking Football team that was predominantly, but not exclusively, made up of male participants and the other focus group was with a team which was mostly made up of female participants but did not exclude male participants who wished to attend. Participants varied in locality, with some from the South Welsh coalfield regions and others from different areas. Participants were 8 male identifying individuals with an average age of 70, and 8 female identifying participants who did not disclose their ages. Male participants had an average Walking Football involvement of almost 5 years, compared to 1 year for the female group.
Results
The literature review revealed a lack of research on Walking Football and other Walking Sports in former Welsh Coalfield regions. Beyond the scope of this project, it highlighted the need for rigorous methods like randomised control trials and exploration of benefits among different population groups. It also identified various health facets and suggested Walking Football's potential as a complex intervention. During focus groups, participants noted positive impacts on psychological, social, and physical wellbeing, offering insights for the sport's development, such as expanding age eligibility, implementing stricter rules, establishing minimum health standards, and promoting GP referrals. Opinions on the name "Walking Football" varied. There were calls for improved funding, support, and collaboration among organisations involved. However, as the adapted sport’s direction, and the competitive vs. casual approach were debated, it is important to consider these and tailor practices accordingly. Overall, participants endorsed Walking Football and emphasised its inclusivity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study revealed a consensus on Walking Football's perceived benefits, comprising benefits related to psychological, social, and physical wellbeing, congruent with the biopsychosocial health model. Future research should employ randomised control trials to establish causality and quantify benefits, aligned with established complex intervention evaluation standards. Further exploration should focus on women and menopausal effects, as well as coach, official, and non-participant viewpoints. Extending inquiry into other Walking Sports variants, like Walking-Rugby, Walking-Netball, and Walking-Cricket, would bridge knowledge gaps about their advantages and implications for diverse demographics. This research approach will improve the understanding of adapted sports' benefits and consideration.
| Date of Award | 2024 |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
| Sponsors | KESSII & Coalfield Regeneration Trust |
| Supervisor | Philip Tyson (Supervisor), Deborah Lancastle (Supervisor) & Lyn Jehu (Supervisor) |