Walking Football Benefits for Mental Wellbeing

Walking Football Benefits for Mental Wellbeing

Supporting men’s and women’s mental health with community sport and wellbeing tools

Men and women over 50 often face life transitions — retirement, reduced work, health changes — which can affect mental wellbeing and motivation. Maintaining social connections, staying active, and having a sense of purpose are crucial.

That’s where walking football comes in.

Why Walking Football Works for Mental Health

Walking football is a low-impact, team-based sport that keeps the thrill of football alive without the high intensity. For men and women over 50, it’s about fun, connection, and staying active safely.

Research shows that participants experience:

Stronger social bonds – building friendships and avoiding isolation (Taylor & Pringle, 2022)

Enhanced mood and wellbeing – feelings of enjoyment and achievement during play (Cholerton et al., 2020)

Routine and purpose – weekly sessions help structure the week and provide shared goals

Even small amounts of activity, combined with social interaction, have been linked to reduced stress and improved emotional wellbeing in older adults (Gamonales et al., 2021).

YPS Psychology Supports Men’s and Women’s Over 50 Walking Football

 

At YPS Psychology Ltd, we champion wellbeing through sport and community. Whether you play walking football are in an over-50s team, join a local over-50s team, or participate in other social activities, we provide:

  • Evidence-based mental health resources
  • Self-guided wellbeing tools
  • Tips to stay motivated and connected

Our mission: To help men over 50 stay active, socially engaged, and mentally resilient through enjoyable activities like walking football.

Join a Team, Boost Your Wellbeing

Looking for a walking football team near you? Getting involved is simple:

  • Find a local team – many over-50s football clubs welcome new players
  • Stay connected – combine play with online wellbeing tools from YPS Psychology
  • Track your wellbeing – use our practical strategies to manage stress and mood

“Walking football isn’t just about the game – it’s about friendship, routine, and feeling part of something bigger.”

“You don’t need to struggle alone — and you don’t need to commit to therapy to get support.

YPS Psychology offers structured, evidence-based wellbeing tools, with optional professional guidance when you need it.”

 

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Paul – Lead Account Manager

Working alongside Dr Yates, Paul ensures that services are well organised, accessible and delivered with care.

Paul oversees client relationships and supports the smooth running and development of YPS, helping individuals, families and organisations feel confident and supported from first contact onwards.

Paul’s focus includes:

  • Building strong, steady client relationships
  • Ensuring services are clear and easy to navigate
  • Supporting the growth and stability of YPS creating welcoming experiences that feel calm and reassuring
  • Web development, and videography
  • He ensures that YPS remains grounded, responsive and is focused on helping people move forward with confidence.

Paul leads on client relationship management, service coordination and organisational development. Paul works closely with schools, families and partner organisations to ensure clarity of communication, timely delivery and high service standards.

He supports referral pathways, contractual arrangements and long-term partnership development, helping ensure services remain consistent, reliable and professionally delivered.

Outside of work, Paul’s main passion is Walking Football. He plays for East Devon, Devonshire County, and South West County. His biggest achievement is having trials with the Over 50s England Walking Football group in 2025. He also enjoys restoring and driving classic cars. 

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Joseph - Assistant Psychologist

BSc Hons in Tourism Management, Tourism, and Business Management, MSc Psychology Conversion, MSc Occupational Psychology

Working under the clinical supervision of Dr Yvonne Yates, Joseph supports the assessment and development of psychological services across the organisation.

Joseph’s work focuses on:

  • Supporting psychological assessment processes
  • Assisting in the preparation of structured reports
  • Contributing to the development of wellbeing and learning resources, and delivering training
  • Supporting data organisation and research-informed practice
  • Assisting with service delivery coordination

He has a strong interest in evidence-based psychology and values clarity, structure and ethical practice.

Outside of work, Joseph enjoys spending time with his springer spaniel, Willow, and going for long walks with her and the family. When he can, he hits the ski slopes on his snowboard, and he also likes ice-skating. 

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Dr Yates - CEO, Lead Psychologist

HCPC-Registered Educational Psychologist | Founder, YPS Psychology Ltd

Dr Yates has speciailist expertise in ADHD, depression, anxiety, learning differences (SpLD), and emotional wellbeing with children, young people, and adults.

She holds a Doctorate in Psychology (University of Manchester) and has extensive experience delivering:

• Educational psychology assessments, including ADHD and SpLD
• Mental health assessment and therapy
• Social skills and emotional regulation support

Dr Yates has worked in public organisations, including, schools, the NHS, and local authorities, and in private practice, for universities, colleges, and therapy healthcare bodies, such as, AXA PPP and Bupa. 

She is the author of Human Givens Therapy with Adolescents (Jessica Kingsley Publishers) and has published peer-reviewed research on adolescent wellbeing.

Her approach combines evidence-based psychology with practical, real-life strategies that help individuals feel calmer, more confident, and better equipped to succeed at school, university, and work.

Outside of work, Dr Yates is an avid crocheter and is also quite partial to silent discos. She looks forward to spending evenings by the fire, and watching movies with the family whilst creating her latest crochet piece.