Golden Oldies

ARGYLE’S over-55 programme is continuing to run well into its fourth year now, with a core group of 40 participants still enjoying every minute of it.

Extra-Time, once funded by Comic Relief and Football Foundation, has now become a self-sustainable programme that sees sport and social opportunities made available for the elderly community.
The Argyle Football in the Community Trust ensures that at least six different sport and social events are delivered each month, ensuring that a safe and consistent environment is created for the participants to enjoy.
The project has sees a diverse range of sports delivered, many of which have been a new experience for the Extra-Time participants: activities such as skittles, new-age kurling, tai-chi and golf have been made accessible, all of which have been thoroughly enjoyed by the players.
Furthermore, the project creates social events and day-trips in parallel to the sports activities, creating an opportunity to strengthen relationships and enjoy each other’s company.
Days out have included Plymouth Museum tours, orienteering on Dartmoor and Wembley Stadium visits.
Extra-Time participant Alfie Wyatt said: “This opportunity has really changed my life; it gives me a reason to get out the house.
“I have met so many new people that I would not have outside of this project. I love my sport. However, I come here because this is so much more - it keeps us fit and helps us to feel young again.”
The ethos of the programme is to create an enticing atmosphere for local over 55s who find accessing physical activity or social opportunities challenging.
Many of the participants may have lost family, find getting around problematic, or may be intimidated by trying new things.
However, Extra-Time addresses these problems by creating an informal opportunity to gain confidence, make friends, and keep active, whilst – most importantly – having fun.
Sessions to date have helped more than 200 people try a new sport or activity, as well as meet new people and share stories from across the county.
For more information about Extra-Time, up-coming events and how you can get involved, please contact Social Inclusion Officer Dwain Morgan on 01752 562561, extension 162, or dwain.morgan@pafc.co.uk.


Did you know…that all our pasties will be from local suppliers?