The Fylde Rugby Community Foundation delivers Walking Rugby as part of its commitment to inclusive, accessible, and lifelong participation in sport. The programme supports adults who wish to remain active and involved in rugby but no longer participate in contact formats, ensuring continued engagement with the game in a safe and supportive environment. It is an opportunity for individuals to continue to be active and can also be used as an introduction to physical activity, not just for those who were previously active.
Walking Rugby has become a well-established and consistently attended programme across the Fylde Coast, providing structured physical activity alongside strong social and wellbeing outcomes.
Programme Impact and Outcomes
Walking Rugby delivers clear benefits for participants, including:
• Improved mental health and wellbeing, supported by regular physical activity, routine, and peer interaction
• Reduced social isolation through the creation of supportive social networks and community connection
• Increased physical activity levels, contributing to mobility, balance, and general health
• Continued involvement in rugby, offering an inclusive alternative for those unable or unwilling to play contact rugby
The success of the programme is reflected in consistent attendance, strong peer support, and the clear impact it has on participants’ wellbeing and quality of life.
Programme Lead Insight – Amelia Summersgill-Smith, Programme Lead at the Fylde Rugby Community Foundation, said:
“Walking Rugby has gone from strength to strength over the years and continues to be one of our most impactful programmes. What makes it so special is not just the physical activity, but the sense of belonging, confidence and connection it gives to everyone involved. We see first-hand how beneficial it is for participants’ physical and mental wellbeing, whether they are returning to rugby after many years or using Walking Rugby as their first step into regular activity.
“The consistency of attendance, the friendships that have formed and the participant-led initiatives like The Forward Pass Scheme highlight just how much value the programme brings. We are incredibly proud of how it has grown and we look forward to continuing to develop and expand Walking Rugby so even more people across the Fylde Coast can benefit in the years to come.”
Participant Testimonial – Jonathan Peet
“Three years ago, I arrived on a cold, winter Monday morning for a Walking Rugby session. I had not picked up a rugby ball in anger since I left school 40 years ago. I couldn’t remember the last time I had done any regular physical exercise, I didn’t know a soul at the session and had no idea about the rules of Walking Rugby.
Fast-forward three years, and while many of my fellow participants would argue that my knowledge of the rules is still somewhat lacking, I now find myself in a completely different place. I was warmly welcomed on that first morning and, as a result, I now attend around three sessions each week. Although I may never win any prizes for my physical condition, I am now in far better shape than I was when I first started.
However, the most positive impact for me by far has been on my general state of mind. I have found a wide group of fellow participants that I am proud to call my friends. I positively look forward to our regular Monday morning sessions, what a great way to start the week, both in terms of dusting off the weekend’s cobwebs and the catch-up over a brew and a biscuit. The benefit and joy I derive from those sessions is more than I can really put into words.
I am extremely grateful to the Fylde Foundation, their partners and sponsors for running the Walking Rugby programme. The coaches are always extremely supportive, knowing just how to facilitate the sessions, and it is always enjoyable to catch up with others at our various social events. I would encourage anyone to come along and try it out and please don’t worry about your rugby skills, we all still drop the ball and make errant passes, some of us more than others. However, you will always be made welcome and you never know, you just may be able to explain those rules to me!”
Accessibility and Inclusion
The Foundation delivers Walking Rugby free of charge across four venues within Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre, ensuring accessibility for individuals regardless of financial circumstance.
By removing cost as a barrier and delivering sessions locally, the programme enables sustained participation and reaches individuals who may otherwise be excluded from organised sport.
Added Social Value: The Forward Pass Scheme
An additional outcome of the Walking Rugby programme has been the development of The Forward Pass Scheme, a participant-led initiative that further strengthens community impact.
Through this scheme, Walking Rugby participants coordinate the donation of unwanted rugby kit, including boots and training wear, which is then redistributed to children who need it. This initiative directly supports the Foundation’s mission to remove barriers to sport, ensuring young people can participate regardless of financial constraints.
Get Involved
Walking Rugby demonstrates how inclusive sport can deliver meaningful health, social, and community outcomes. By providing free, accessible sessions and supporting participant-led initiatives, the programme not only supports individual wellbeing but also contributes to wider community resilience and opportunity.
For further information on Walking Rugby sessions or to find your nearest venue, please contact the Fylde Rugby Community Foundation.
📩 Get in touch to learn more about how Walking Rugby supports active, connected. communities across the Fylde Coast.
