Walking Gaelic Football initiative
An exciting new healthy ageing initiative is being rolled out across Britain.
The initiative is a collaborative partnership between Irish in Britain's Healthy Ageing Project, which is supported by the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund, and Gaelic Games Council of Britain.
A successful pilot project spearheaded by Irish in Britain and Gaelic Games Council of Britain, Hayley Reynolds, Healthy Ageing Coordinator and Keith Jackman, Community Development Administrator Hertfordshire GAA ran in Offley Recreation Centre in October 2025.
The initiative focuses on healthy ageing, social connection, and community wellbeing for older members of the Irish community across Britain, delivered in a safe, inclusive, and community-led environment.
It helps to build:
Connection
Movement
Confidence
Fun
Walking Gaelic Football helps older adults to:
Stay active through gentle, enjoyable movement
Improve wellbeing, confidence, and motivation
Reduce social isolation and build friendships
Strengthen local community connections
Reconnect with Gaelic games and Irish culture in an inclusive way
Watch our video to understand how Walking Gaelic Football can work in your community.
“Starting this initiative has really highlighted a group of people who need accessible opportunities to play sport. It’s about more than community support, it’s about reconnecting people with team environments and, most importantly, having fun. Walking Gaelic Football helps address issues like isolation, memory, fitness, balance, bone health, mental health to mention a few. That light-hearted hour out of someone’s day is exactly the kind of thing we should be championing within the game.”
Hayley Reynolds, Healthy Ageing Coordinator
"Walking Gaelic Football gives men and women over 50 the chance to reconnect with the joy of Gaelic Games. Staying active, building friendships and proving that the passion for the game has no age limits"
Keith Jackman, Hertfordshire GAA Community Development Administrator
Quote from our oldest participant aged 85 – “The hardest part was walking. I feel brilliant, it really brings back my playing days.”
Gaelic Games doesn’t stop at 50, it just takes on a new pace.
To register your interest as a WGF host (GAA club), WGF participant (Irish in Britain member) or for more information please send an email to hreynolds@irishinbritain.org
Closing Date – Monday 16 of March