Walking football

WALKING football sessions are set to kick off in Tywyn.Walking football is a new sport recently introduced to leisure centres in Gwynedd where older players can get fit playing the world’s most popular sport.The activity, which is now available at Tywyn’s Bro Dysynni Leisure Centre, is supposed to improve your cardiovascular fitness, increase muscle strength and joint mobility, and increase concentration skills; or just simply be a chance to relive those glory days.Walking football is ideal for men and women aged 50 and over and can be played regardless of physical ability and experience. The rules are the same as five-a-side football except there is no running or slide tackling.Thomas Harvey, an instructor at Bro Dysynni Leisure Centre, said: “When people first hear about walking football, they assume that it will be played at a snail’s pace and lack the excitement of the traditional game but they are usu-ally in for a pleasant surprise.“The task of passing the ball accurately between teammates without being able to run provides players with both mental and physical challenges. “Some of the league teams such as Bury use walking football with their youth teams as a way to improve passing skills and positioning on the pitch.”Bro Dysynni Leisure Centre holds a session every Wednesday between 11.30am and 12.30pm with a nominal fee applied.Cllr Mair Rowlands, Gwynedd Council cabinet member for Healthy Gwynedd, added: “There are many older adults who retain a love of sport, and in particular football, but feel that they are unable to participate in traditional pro-grams due to falling health and fitness levels.“Establishing walking football in Gwynedd has the potential to attract a great mix of people to get together for some fitness and fun, and doesn’t matter if you’ve never played before, I think it’s worth giving it a try.”For more information contact Bro Dysynni Leisure Centre on 01654 711763.

Bowling club

IN ADVANCE of the forthcoming 2016 Crown Green Bowling Season in Tywyn the club recently held its AGM, with 25 members of the club attending this year.The outgoing president, Elwyn Price, was replaced for the 2016 season by Sue Marsh.The remainder of the committee remains the same as last year (with the exception of one vacancy), consisting of chairperson Alex Furneaux, vice-chair Ron Medhurst, secretary David O’Hara, treasurer Keren O’Hara, club captain Penny Cole plus the general committee members. Taking on the vacant committee position, Linda McFall, is now acting as press officer for the club.Members are looking forward to the start of the 2016 season on Good Friday, 25 March.New members are welcome, from complete beginners to experienced players. If you are interested, contact David O’Hara on 01654 712511.