The Albion Foundation’s free Cancer Kickers initiative in partnership with Sandwell Public Health, Leukaemia Care and the Birmingham County Football Association is ‘developing a community’, according to founder Kevin McMahon.
Kevin set up the group with the help of key partners, with the aim of providing a safe space for those with Cancer to enjoy walking football.
The group meet every Wednesday morning at Ray Hall Lane, and are inviting new members to join them for the session.
“About 18 months ago I started playing walking football,” Kevin said. “I thoroughly enjoyed it, but found it physically challenging.
“So I wondered if there was something specifically set up for people like me, living with cancer who like playing football but maybe with a little less intensity and more rests in-between. I looked locally and there wasn’t anything, it made me wonder if I could set one up.
“I looked and I found one, the nearest one I found was in Norwich. I got in touch to see what they were doing and liked what I saw.”
From there, Kev learned the importance of finding quality partners to assist with the set-up of the session, and the essential need for a Cancer Rehabilitation Practitioner.
“I was lucky enough to meet some kind people at Sandwell Public Health, Leukaemia Care, Birmingham County FA and The Albion Foundation. With their help and support, we launched in March of this year, and now we have 22 people registered, everyone brings their own story on how Cancer has affected their lifestyle.
“What we’re really trying to do is develop a community, we welcome any new people from Sandwell who want to join with us on Wednesday mornings at Ray Hall Lane.
“We have an hour outdoors exercise, then we go inside for a coffee, tea or cake, and a welcome chat. Our facilities and coaches are brilliant.”
To express your interest in joining the Cancer Kickers session, click HERE and fill out the form.
