Dorset Parky Striders is a friendly walking football club in Bournemouth for people living with Parkinson’s. Based at BH Live Pelhams, the group brings together gentle exercise, teamwork and social connection, welcoming beginners and experienced players alike. Discover how the weekly Wednesday sessions work, what to expect on the pitch and how to get involved with this supportive local community.
24th October 2026
A game of football, a café catch up and a group of people who understand what living with Parkinson’s can mean. Dorset Parky Striders brings all three together in Bournemouth, with a welcome that extends to people who have never kicked a ball before.
The mixed walking football group has been celebrating its second anniversary, with Bournemouth East MP Tom Hayes joining a special training session to mark the occasion.
For anyone looking for a local way to stay active and meet others living with Parkinson’s, it is a club worth knowing about.
You do not need a footballing past to try the Striders. The club welcomes different levels of experience, including complete beginners, and is particularly keen to encourage more women to join.
Walking football keeps the teamwork and enjoyment of the game while replacing running with walking. There is still plenty to concentrate on, from finding a teammate with a pass to moving into space.
Sessions are led by Mark Seal, a sports therapist with Walking Football Association coaching qualifications. A typical hour starts with a warm up and ball drills, moves into a game and finishes with a warm down.
After training, players can head to the café together. That time creates another opportunity to get to know teammates and spend time with people who share an understanding of the condition.
The social side sits alongside the opportunity to exercise. Parkinson’s UK highlights potential benefits of walking football including better coordination and balance, improved fitness, stronger muscles and joints, and more opportunities to connect with others.
Sessions usually take place on Wednesdays from 2pm to 3pm on the outdoor artificial grass pitch at BH Live Pelhams, Manor Farm Road, Bournemouth, BH10 7LF.
At the time of checking, the East Dorset branch diary lists sessions on Wednesday 21 October and Wednesday 28 October 2026, both on Pitch 7. The usual cost is £5 per session.
The club’s Walking Football Association listing also advertises a free taster, which new players can confirm with Mark before attending.
Football experience is not required, but the activity listing asks participants to have fair to good motor skills and reasonable balance and stability. If you are unsure whether the session suits you, speak to the organiser about your needs first.
Wear loose clothing and bring a drink. Trainers are accepted, although footwear designed for artificial grass pitches is preferred.
To find out more, contact Mark Seal on 07545 493630.
For someone considering that first session, the invitation is straightforward: you can be new to football and still find a place in the team.
Spanish
Chinese (simplified)
Dutch
French
German
Italian
Norwegian
Polish
Romanian
Russian