Walking Touch strolls into Bournemouth

Bournemouth Touch Centre has launched its Walking Touch sessions to expand the sport to new players.

The initiative was sparked in November when a newcomer to Touch attended a session at Bournemouth Touch Centre and asked if the club would consider introducing Walking Touch into its sessions.

Six weeks later this became a reality, and 14 players attended the first session in early 2017, which was run by Allan Reed, co-founder of Bournemouth Touch Centre, along with England Touch Regional Development Officer Jason Cunningham, Titans manager Colin Slater and England squad player Nicholas Best.

“The idea is to engage older and injured individuals wanting to try and start a new team sport without the contact you have in football and rugby,” Allan explained.

“We have a great team of operators at Bournemouth Touch Centre and we’re passionate about the game and sharing it with our community.

“It’s great to get people up and active, and as it is minimal contact at a walking pace it is ideal for those returning to sport in later life or after injuries - it’s a small step in the right direction!

“From the feedback we received it looks like Walking Touch will be very popular, especially in a retirement town like Bournemouth.”

Walking Touch has several variants compared to the full version of the sport. Mixed teams of five players - rolling subs are allowed - play at a walking pace, making two-handed touches and having three touches before having to turn the ball over.

For more information head to www.bournemouthtouchcentre.co.uk or call 07795 417873.