Parkinson's walking football has created a community for women

An all-female walking football team called the Parkinson's Pioneers, founded in Solihull, has grown to more than 30 members and members say it provides community and support for women living with Parkinson's.

An all-female walking football team called the Parkinson's Pioneers was set up in Solihull to create a support network for women diagnosed with Parkinson's. Founder Annie Booth said she began the group after playing mainly with men and wanting women to have a safe place to learn football and support each other. Three years after it began the team has more than 30 active members from across the country, aged about 42 to 73, and meets once a month for training. Members recently took part in an all-Parkinson's walking football tournament at St George's Park. Key facts: - The Parkinson's Pioneers were founded in Solihull by Annie Booth to build a women-only support network and sporting group. - The team now includes over 30 active members, with ages reported between 42 and 73. - Members meet monthly for training and took part in a walking football tournament at St George's Park in Burton-on-Trent. - Walking football is played at a walking pace and running is against the rules. - Parkinson's UK reports about 166,000 people living with Parkinson's in the UK, with symptoms that can include tremor, slow movement and balance problems. Summary: Members say the group has reduced feelings of isolation and provided a sense of belonging and mutual support while combining social connection with physical activity. The group's public activities include monthly training sessions and participation in tournaments. Undetermined at this time.