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Walkfit

Swieqi united fc Projects

Overview

WALKFIT: Walking Football for Inclusion & Togetherness

Grant Agreement No.: 101245583
Project Partners: Swieqi United Football Club – Malta (COO), A.S.D. Real Sala Bolognese – Italy (BEN)

WALKFIT – Walking Football for Inclusion & Togetherness is a project that promotes active ageing through walking football, an inclusive, low-impact sport designed for people aged 50 and over. The initiative directly addresses challenges related to sedentary lifestyles, social isolation and the lack of age-appropriate sporting opportunities for older adults. While in some European countries walking football is already recognised as an effective tool for wellbeing and social inclusion, in other contexts it remains underdeveloped. WALKFIT was created to respond to this gap. Co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme, the project aims to enhance the physical and social wellbeing of people over 50 by developing a sustainable and transferable model capable of engaging and inspiring communities across Europe.

The project is built on a European partnership involving Swieqi United FC (Malta) and A.S.D. Real Sala Bolognese (Italy). The partners contribute complementary expertise in sport, education and community engagement, with a particular focus on coach education, the delivery of adapted physical activities and the creation of social spaces for participants. Through the exchange of good practices and transnational cooperation, WALKFIT promotes walking football as a tool for social cohesion and active ageing. The project combines sporting activities, training opportunities and social moments, laying the foundations, in the medium to long term, for the creation of a European walking football network with a lasting impact on local communities.

Activites

The
activities

Through a well-planned programme of activities, WALKFIT actively engages both partner organisations to achieve its objectives.

Training for Coaches & Referees in Swieqi, Malta – 21 & 22 February 2026

Training for Coaches & Referees in Swieqi, Malta – 21 & 22 February 2026

Training for Coaches & Referees in Bologna, Italy – 27 & 28 February 2026

Training for Coaches & Referees in Bologna, Italy – 27 & 28 February 2026

Open Day & Local Training Sessions in Bologna – 1 March 2026

Open Day & Local Training Sessions in Bologna – 1 March 2026

Open Day & Local Training Sessions in Swieqi, Malta - 28 March 2026

International Tournament in Malta – 12/13 June 2026

Timeline

How it all played out

November 2025 – January 2026

Kick-off & Development

During the initial phase, we focused on getting the project ready for launch. We developed the project branding and visual identity, produced the main communication materials, and set up key information channels such as the website and social media. We also agreed on guidelines for partner visibility and for sharing project activities and results.
At the same time, we organised the project’s internal working arrangements by clarifying partner roles, defining coordination processes, and putting shared tools in place to monitor activities and document progress. This ensured a smooth and well-coordinated start to the project.

February – 2026

In-person & on-line Training & Coaching sessions in Malta:

As part of the WALKFIT project, engaging training and coaching sessions were offered in Malta, both in-person and online, led by qualified Walking Football expert. Coaches gained a thorough understanding of the game’s rules and fundamental principles, with particular emphasis on the technical and tactical differences compared to traditional football. The sessions highlighted the social value of Walking Football as a tool for inclusion, wellbeing, and social interaction. In addition, the roles and responsibilities of coaches and referees were explored, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable environment for all participants, with training methods specifically designed for players aged 50 and over and younger vulnerable adults.

February – 2026

In-person & on-line Training & Coaching sessions in Bologna:

The WALKFIT project also brought its training and coaching sessions to Bologna both in-person and online, led by an experienced Walking Football specialist. Individuals learned about coaching and refereeing the game – it’s rules, core principles, safety measures and the technical and tactical differences from traditional football, while understanding the social value of the discipline for inclusion, wellbeing, and social engagement. The sessions also covered the roles and responsibilities of coaches and referees in creating a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable playing environment, with coaching methods tailored specifically for players over 50 as well as younger vulnerable adults.

February- 2026

Open Day & Local Training Sessions in Bologna:

An Open Day took place at the Real Sala Bolognese sports facilities, featuring a demonstration session led by a qualified coach from Malta. All participants had the opportunities to try Walking Football and discover this sport in a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment. The day included informal discussions on the social and health benefits of Walking Football, and attendees will have the opportunity to sign up for regular training sessions to continue developing their skills.

March – 2026

Open Day & Local Training Sessions in Malta:

At the SUFC sports facilities in Malta, an Open Day was held with practical sessions guided by experienced Walking Football coaches. Participants enjoyed the game for free in a fun, safe, and inclusive setting. The event also included discussions on the social and health advantages of Walking Football, and attendees were able to register for ongoing training sessions designed to keep players over 50 and younger vulnerable adults active and engaged.

June – 2026

International Tournament in Malta:

The final phase of the WALKFIT project will be the International Walking Football Tournament in Malta, bringing together teams from Bologna (Italy) and Malta and offering an important opportunity for sporting exchange, mutual learning and shared experiences.The event will place a strong emphasis on inclusion, cultural exchange and social interaction among participants. Evaluation surveys will also be conducted to gather feedback on participant satisfaction and to assess the overall impact of the project.

Partners

Our Partners

WALKFIT is a collaborative initiative co-funded by the European Union, bringing together two key partners, Swieqi United Football Club – Malta (COO) and A.S.D. Real Sala Bolognese – Italy (BEN).

 

Swieqi United Football Club (Malta)

Role: Project Coordinator

Responsibilities: The role includes overseeing the project, managing events in Malta, and coordinating communication and dissemination activities. It also involves organising training sessions for coaches and referees, hosting a Walking Football Open Day, and arranging the international tournament in Malta.

A.S.D. Real Sala Bolognese (Italy)

Role: Project Partner

Responsibilities: The main activities include the training of coaches and referees, organising a Walking Football Open Day in Bologna, and managing the trip to Malta for the international tournament. The role also involves contributing to the sustainability plan and preparing all documentation required for reporting and auditing.

WALKFIT aims to promote active and healthy ageing, helping older adults to stay physically and mentally active, and to remain socially engaged, all through walking football.

Follow our social media channels to stay updated on Open Days, training sessions, and international tournaments, and to discover all the latest project news!

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