PEDESTRIAN players who prefer to stroke the ball around the park at a leisurely pace are welcome to join in with a new brand of the beautiful game.

Stroud District Council is joining forces with Gloucestershire FA to hold walking football sessions at Stratford Park Leisure Centre in Stroud.

They will be held every Monday, from April 23 and all are welcome.

The sessions are ideal for older players and people with health problems which preclude them from playing the faster version of the game.

Stroud District Council Community Services and Licensing Committee chairman Steve Robinson has tried the slower game and recommended it to newcomers.

“It’s a great way to stay active, the only thing I had to get used to was not running for the ball,” he said.

Sessions only cost £3.50 and all are welcome between 10am and 11am each week.

“In the last 3 years, we have engaged over 600 people in walking football and in terms of percentage increase it is comfortably the fastest growing format of the game at this time,” said a Gloucestershire FA spokesman.

“We have also developed a league off the back of the successful weekly sessions for those that want to take it to the next step, with 12 teams competing across the county.”

To find out more call 01453 766771 or visit the centre.

Stratford Park Leisure Centre can also be contacted on Facebook at facebook/eaStratfordPark, on Twitter @eaStratfordPark and at everyoneactive.com