Parkinson’s Walking Football
Rediscover the Beautiful Game in a welcoming environment for people with Parkinson’s.
Stay active, build friendships and have fun with Quarry Movers United.
No experience needed. No pressure. No judgement. Just walking football, friendship, and coffee.
- When: Thursdays, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM throughout the year
- Where: Oxford United Training Centre (All-weather 4G pitches)
- Who: All people with Parkinson’s or other neurological conditions (plus family/carers!)
- Cost: Free for registered participants
Ready to Join Us for a Taster?
Ready to play? If you would like to dive straight in, please complete our simple registration form prior to your first session. Once the form is submitted, please feel free to attend the next Thursday session and join in the fun!
If you aren’t quite ready to join in and play just yet, come and watch the next session. No registration needed, just turn up and come and say hello. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have, and you can then decide if you would like to register for a future session and join in.
Still not sure if this is for you? Find out more about the Quarry Movers United story, the reflections of the current squad of players – the concerns they had before playing and how they feel about them now. Please take a minute to review the Quarry Movers United story and Is this for Me? section, where we are sure you will gain the confidence you need to take that first step.
What to Expect in Your First Session
We know that joining a new group can be daunting. Here is exactly how we run our sessions:
- Session Timeline: First 20 minutes consist of a gentle warm-up, followed by fun skills and drills (passing and shooting). The final 40 minutes is a friendly match with the emphasis on fun and inclusion.
- The Pace: This is “walking” football – no running, no contact, absolutely no pressure.
- The Pitch: We play on Oxford United’s professional 4G training pitches. They are very flat and provide a “soft” landing for peace of mind.
- The Gear: Please wear comfortable sports clothes appropriate for the weather. Footwear should be flat-soled trainers, astro or moulded boots.
- The Post-Match Social: As important as the exercise! After the session, we meet at the nearby Costa Coffee (Horspath Driftway) to share experiences, laughs, and support.
How to Find Us
- Location: Oxford United Training Centre (Oxford Sports Park) is situated just off the Oxford Ring Road near Horspath, by the MINI Factory.
- Directions: From the Eastern-Bypass Road (A4142), take the Horspath Road. The Oxford United Training Centre is on the right-hand side, opposite the Horspath Athletics ground.
Contact Us
If you have any questions please feel free to send us an email: qrfc.movers@gmail.com.
Alternatively, scan the QR code below or click on this WhatsApp link to start a chat with Quarry Movers United:
Quarry Movers United
Parkinson’s walking football
Provided by Quarry Rovers FC in partnership with Oxford United in the Community
Quarry Movers United is a Walking Football team dedicated to enabling those with Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions to play football in a safe, supportive and fun environment. We are proud to be part of Quarry Rovers FC, and we were formed in partnership with Oxford United in the Community, and funded by Parkinson’s UK.
Mark’s Story
“For people with Parkinson’s, Walking Football is a great way to keep fit and socialise, two vital factors in living well with the condition. I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2020, and wanted a way to start playing again. Starting Oxfordshire’s first Parkinson’s Walking Football team has given me the opportunity to help others rediscover the beautiful game and help them keep active.” — Mark, founder member.
What Our Players Say
I really enjoy playing walking football with Quarry Movers United. It’s great exercise and really competitive.
I can’t speak highly enough about this Parkinson’s walking football team. We are such a diverse group of players, with all abilities, ages, and genders made to feel welcome, whether they are shy or gregarious. I advise anyone thinking about giving it a go to come along; you won’t look back!
Diagnosed with Parkinson’s 10 years ago, I’ve learned that daily exercise is vital to living well. To stay motivated, I tried walking football at the Oxford United training ground. Despite having never played before and feeling quite nervous, I was immediately put at ease.
The session was relaxed, starting with a gentle warm-up followed by skills and a fun, no-pressure game. My teammates made me feel completely included, regardless of my lack of experience. Aside from the ring road traffic, the experience was wonderful! The warm welcome from the Quarry Movers United organisers, Oxford United in the Community coaches and fellow players made it a fantastic way to exercise and meet like-minded people. I can’t recommend it enough.
When I first heard about Walking Football, I didn’t think it was possible to play without running, so when I heard there was a chance to play in Oxford, I thought I’d give it a try! On a chilly Thursday afternoon, I drove to the Oxford United Training Centre. I felt I was useless! But everyone gave me so much encouragement that I decided to try it again. Not a natural ‘baller’, it may take me a while to improve, but the inclusivity expressed by the other participants means that I truly enjoy the sessions regardless. I love the team’s camaraderie and that everyone is oblivious to my lack of football experience. Quite simply its a great opportunity for people with Parkinson’s like me to ‘have a go’, have a laugh and get some exercise while doing it.
Sport has always been a joy in my life, but recent leg surgeries and Parkinson’s made participating feel difficult. I arrived at my first walking football session nervous about joining the group, but within minutes, I realised my fears were completely misguided. The game is great fun, the group is incredibly friendly, and I found I could participate without any problems. It has become a highlight of my week. I unreservedly recommend that anyone even slightly interested should give it a go!
From the first day of my diagnosis, I have made exercise part of my daily routine alongside multiple medications after my Neurologist told me how exercise can slow down the progression of Parkinson’s.
Even with such a good motivation, any form of exercise takes effort and time—and there’s always a reason not to do it! However, with Parkinson’s, it’s even more of a challenge when anxiety makes meeting new people a hurdle.
Having the opportunity to try walking football with Quarry Movers United, I was both excited and apprehensive. I was excited because I love football despite never really playing it, but apprehensive as I would be with strangers and have to deal with Oxford traffic, which makes me anxious.
Despite these apprehensions, I decided to try it and—wow—best decision ever! The people are amazing and the comradeship is fantastic; playing with others who share similar challenges means they ‘just get it’.
The team spirit that is forming is remarkable. Each week the numbers are growing and new members are welcomed like old friends. I have no hesitation in recommending Quarry Movers FC. If you are feeling hesitant, I would encourage you to try out a session—you will be well looked after and I am sure you’ll be back for more!
The Oxford United in the Community coaches are excellent; we learn drills and skills to enhance our play, then get to put them into practice in a friendly game to finish off the session. Come along—you’ll have a blast and make new friends too!
The idea of playing football had never interested me and I only really went along initially to show support for a new local Parkinson’s activity. After just two or three weeks I was hooked! Such fun to be able to play a team sport with such a friendly bunch in such a welcoming and accepting atmosphere. There is something for all players, whether you just want to have a social kick-a-bout, or like a little friendly competition, it’s always fun. The coaches ensure activities are driven by the participants, so drills and games are played at a ‘pace’ we are comfortable with. Walking football with Quarry Movers United has become a highlight in the week for me. Even if you don’t think it’s for you, why not come along and give it a try, you won’t regret it.
Our Vision
“Social, fun and inclusive walking football for all”
We aim to develop Quarry Movers United into the focal point for Parkinson’s Walking Football throughout Oxfordshire, enabling walking football to be accessible to anyone with Parkinson’s across the county.
Our name reflects the affiliation of the program to Quarry Rovers FC as the parent club, and the partnership with Oxford United in the Community who are enabling this program and the togetherness of the players who come from the Oxfordshire Parkinson’s community.
Your Journey, Your Pace
We are committed to delivering a social, fun and inclusive walking football experience for all. This includes providing opportunities for those players who would like to test their skills in more competitive settings.
Our regular social Thursday sessions will always remain welcoming, relaxed and pressure-free for everyone.
We plan to offer an additional more ‘competitive’ session for those that want it, but this will always adhere to the bounds of the club’s vision.
We will also commit to providing opportunities for our players to participate in friendly matches and tournaments against other Parkinson’s Walking Football teams.
Is This For Me?
Q: Never played football?
A: Neither have many of our players. Walking football is designed for everyone, regardless of experience.
Q: Worried about keeping up?
A: You set your own pace. There’s no running, no contact, and absolutely no pressure to perform. We adapt to you.
Q: Concerned about balance or falling?
A: We play on Oxford United’s professional 4G pitches at Oxford Sports Park. These surfaces are specifically designed to be flat, stable, and provide a soft landing – giving you peace of mind to focus on enjoying the game.
Q: Not sure about joining a group?
A: Come watch a session first to see if it’s right for you, or bring a friend or family member to play alongside you. You’re welcome either way.
Q: Wondering about commitment?
A: Drop in whenever you can. There’s no obligation to attend every week – come when it suits you.
Q: Will I need special kit?
A: No special kit is required, you just need to:
- Wear clothes you are comfortable exercising in, dressing appropriately for the weather as sessions are played outdoors.
- Wear flat soled trainers (astro or moulded boots if you have them).
- Bring a water bottle and water. It is particularly important that we stay hydrated.
Q: I’m not sure I’m ready to join a “Parkinson’s group” yet – is it a bit “heavy” or depressing?
A: We hear this a lot, and it is a very honest concern. Many of our players initially worried that joining a specific group might feel like “giving in” to the condition, or that they weren’t ready to see people who might be further along in their journey with Parkinson’s.
However, once they took the first step, they experienced three things that changed their minds:
- We are Footballers First: This isn’t a clinical support group; it’s a football team. We focus on the ball, the game, and the goals. Seeing how teammates navigate their own challenges with grit and humor actually tends to reduce fear rather than increase it.
- The “Relief” of Not Explaining: There is an incredible mental freedom in being in a place where you don’t have to explain your symptoms. Whether you are moving a bit slower that day or dealing with a tremor, everyone “just gets it.” Most members say they feel more like themselves here than anywhere else.
- Focusing on the Present: While our players are at many different stages of the condition, we don’t look at it as a “glimpse into the future”. Instead, we see it as a community of people living well today. You aren’t joining a “disability group” – you’re joining a squad that understands your frustrations and helps you push back against them.
Gallery
Club Kit Sponsor
Quarry Rovers Football Club
Margaret Road, Oxford OX3 8NQ
Club Secretary: Rob Sved
Club Chair: Cathy Oliveira
Club Welfare Officer: Don Ramage
