FOOTBALL fanatics seeking to improve their health at a gentler pace are in luck this summer.

In partnership with Prestatyn Town Council (PTC), the Prestatyn Walking Football Club will enter its second season of improving opportunities for men to participate in team-based activities.

Currently comprising 14 active players aged between 20 and 90, the team was set up in 2017 to help combat social isolation as well as helping combat conditions such as Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Debbie Hughes, PTC community health and development officer, said: “Men more reluctant to join group activities and engage. Important to improve male mental health especially with the suicide rate increasing.

“I have noticed the Prestatyn members have become good friends and all rally and support each other when players have been injured.”

In addition to the original weekly sessions at the Prestatyn Leisure Centre every Tuesday, the 14 strong team will now also play at their new home at Prestatyn Town Football Club, on Bastion Road, and are currently in the process of sorting out their first kit.

For anyone unfamiliar with the sport, walking football differs from normal football with own rules set out by the Walking Football Association such strict rules against running and contact, including no slide tackling or tackling from behind.

It is also played on a smaller, five aside pitch and usually has teams of six players.

Each session is £3. Anyone interested in joining this growing sport can contact Ms Hughes on 01745 881954 and 07789926198 or via email on debbie.hughes@prestatyntc.co.uk.

Alternately, turn up to the Leisure Centre on Tuesday from 5pm to 6pm year-round, or Bastion Road on Thursdays 12pm to 2pm until September/October.