At our Woodlands Neurological Rehabilitation Centre in York, one of the objectives of the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) is to collaborate with families and external stakeholders to deliver high-quality, intensive, or longer-term neurological rehabilitation.

This approach to teamwork and innovation ensures patients receive personalised care tailored to their unique needs.

One of the most inspiring success stories at Woodlands recently involved a patient whose journey was transformed by the introduction of walking football.

Walking football provides a fantastic opportunity for patients with a brain injury or neurological condition to engage in a social, enjoyable activity that benefits their rehabilitation.

The patient’s passion for football, which he enjoyed pre-injury, led one of our Occupational Therapists to suggest walking football as part of his rehabilitation.

The therapist researched local opportunities and found that the York City FC Foundation, founded in 2015, offers walking football sessions across York, including a venue close to Woodlands. These sessions are open to players of all skill levels, ages, and genders and take place on outdoor 3G pitches.

The sessions promote socialisation and confidence and improve balance, exercise tolerance, dynamic abilities, scanning, and spatial awareness. More importantly, it offers a sense of normality during recovery, helping our patients feel connected to their community while improving their physical health.

For the patients at Woodlands, walking football has proven to be a vital part of their rehabilitation and overall well-being.

To learn more about Woodlands Neurological Rehabilitation Centre and their work, click here.