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Walking Football – a case study with Chris Connor

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Chris Connor has always loved football.

It’s always been part of his life and he enjoyed playing regularly until the age of 50 when a health issue meant that he had to stop. He was already involved as a volunteer coach for childrens’ and adult teams with his local club and continued this work until a further health issue hit, which required taking time out from everything.

After recovery, Chris joined his local men’s shed – and over time became more and more involved. His group has a schedule which is jam packed with activities including singing, yoga, gym class, social meet ups and helping with community projects.

Chris, now aged 63, is also delighted to be back on the pitch playing a slightly different version of the beautiful game – Walking Football. He is a keen advocate for the adapted game and introduced it to his fellow shedders at Clonakilty Men’s Shed by signing them up for Age & Opportunity’s Walking Football course.

The 5 week course has simple rules designed with health and safety in mind and is perfect for any age. Since the group completed their course, it has now become part of their weekly schedule of activities. Chris says: “It’s an excuse to kick a ball and be 10 years old again. It’s for any ability – it’s not about your age – it’s all about the fun… about getting out and meeting people and kicking a ball…”

Recently Chris and his shed members fielded a team for our Walking Football blitz in Cork, which saw teams from all over the county get together for a day of competition and craic.

He continues to advocate for the sport and has been liaising with his local football club in the hope that they will facilitate access to the game and bring it to the wider community.

At Age & Opportunity we’re delighted to continue delivering our Walking Football course to groups all around Ireland. We know that it offers significant physical and mental health benefits and is a great way to socialise and meet others.

We’d like to thank Clonakiity Men’s Shed members for being such fantastic participants on the Walking Football course and in the Cork blitz, and Chris in particular for all the brilliant work he is doing in creating awareness and access to the sport. We look forward to seeing you all in the future at the next blitz!

You can find out more about Walking Football courses by visiting our website www.ageandopportunity.ie or take a look at our video to find out what it’s all about here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sg4FUi9_Tzc

Join us to celebrate European Week of Sport 2023!

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Try something new – join us to celebrate European Week of Sport 2023!

To celebrate the 2023 European Week of Sport (23rd-30th September) we are offering older people the chance to try a new sport or activity for the first time.  If there’s a sport you’ve always wanted to try, now’s your chance!

All events are free to attend and will cater for different abilities. You don’t have to have any experience to come along and try something new!

See details below of available events and how to sign up.  We look forward to meeting you!

Sunday – 24/09/2023 – Be Active Festival- Sport Ireland

Age & Opportunity invites you to take part in some fun games during this year’s Be Active Festival. The festival is the perfect chance to try out some new sports and activities, learn from inspiring speakers and check out some expert demos!

9:00 – 17:00 Sport Ireland Campus, Blanchardstown, Dublin.  Register here:  https://www.beactivefestival.ie/

Monday – 25/09/2023 – Pickleball

Try out the growing sport of Pickleball! This session is the perfect introduction to those new to the activity or a great chance to refresh your skills for more experienced participants!

11:00 – 12:30 Cill Barra Community Hall, Waterford City, Waterford City

Please email nicole.evans@ageandopportunity.ie to register your details.

Tuesday – 26/09/2023 – Dance and Dip – Clontarf Baths

Join us for a fun, dance warm-up and a refreshing swim in the iconic Clontarf Baths! 10:00 – 11:00 Clontarf Baths, Dublin.

Please email nicole.evans@ageandopportunity.ie to register your details.

Thursday – 28/09/2023 – Cricket 4 All

Cricket 4 All is an inclusive programme that anyone can participate in. It combines traditional cricket and table cricket to offer something fun for everyone! 18:00 – 19:30 Balbriggan, Dublin

Please email nicole.evans@ageandopportunity.ie to register your details.

#BeActive #European Week of Sport

We’re Recruiting a FitLine Administrator – apply now!

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We are looking for an Administrator for our Active Programme FitLine initiative, a free telephone support service, delivered by volunteer mentors, who encourage older people to start being physically active and maintain physical activity as part of their daily lives.

This is a part-time position, 20 hours a week, over five mornings, Monday to Friday, with a salary of €32,000 per annum pro rata (i.e., €17,067) and a one year specified purpose contract.

A full job description and person specification is available to download here:  FitLine Administrator Job Description & Person Specification

Please send your CV and cover letter, outlining how you match the criteria outlined in the Person Specification, to: Margaret Roe, HR Manager, Age & Opportunity at jobs@ageandopportunity.ie

The deadline for receipt of applications is 5pm on Friday 29th September 2023.

Shortlisting will apply. Age & Opportunity is an equal opportunities employer.

Garda vetting is required for this position.

Interviews will be held via zoom on Thursday 19th October 2023.

Work with us! Vacancy for Active Programme FitLine Administrator

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We are looking for an Administrator for our Active Programme FitLine initiative, a free telephone
support service, delivered by volunteer mentors, who encourage older people to start being
physically active and maintain physical activity as part of their daily lives.

This is a part-time position, 20 hours a week, over five mornings, Monday to Friday, with a salary
of €32,000 per annum (pro rata) and a one year specified purpose contract.

A full job description and person specification is available here:  FitLine Administrator

Please send your CV and cover letter, outlining how you match the criteria outlined in the Person
Specification, to: Margaret Roe, HR Manager, Age & Opportunity at jobs@ageandopportunity.ie

The deadline for receipt of applications is 12 noon on Thursday the 6th of July 2023.

Shortlisting will apply. Age & Opportunity is an equal opportunities employer.

Garda vetting is required for this position.

Interviews will be held via zoom on Thursday the 27th of July 2023.

Mentor on Phone_small size image

Age & Opportunity seeks volunteer mentors for Fitline

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Age & Opportunity is recruiting volunteer mentors from all over the country for our FitLine initiative. It is a free telephone mentoring service which
encourages participants over the age of 50 to start getting more active.

Qualities needed:

  • Good listening skills
  • An interest in physical activity, health and well-being.

Time commitment:

  • Approximately 3 hours every fortnight, flexible day/time to suit you
  • Available to attend our induction training before you start actively volunteering (2 sessions x 3 hours each)
  • Attendance at Volunteer mentor supervision meetings (on Zoom) 3 times a year.

Role summary

You will phone the participants you are matched with every fortnight to check-in and to encourage them to become or continue to be physically active. On the initial training we will also show you how to record the information from these calls.

Support for you

We will provide you with training, a mobile phone to use for your calls, and support and guidance on your role from our FitLine coordinator and administrator whenever you need it, as well as volunteer mentor group supervision (on Zoom) 3 times a year.

Benefits to volunteers

Our volunteer mentors have a unique opportunity to make a difference! You will have the satisfaction of knowing that your support and encouragement can help our participants to be more active which will improve their physical and mental health.

You will also be offered a place on additional training courses during the year so you can continue to develop.

An invitation to our yearly get together to meet the other volunteer mentors and FitLine staff.

  • Application process: Application form, informal interview, Garda vetting, induction training. Next training will be on Zoom in June 2023 (dates TBC).
  • To apply for the role or to have an informal chat about the role please contact us: call 1800 303 545 or email us at fitline@ageandopportunity.ie
  • Downloads: Role description, Application form, FitLine leaflet.
National Active Grant launch 2023, funding physical activity amongst older people

Age & Opportunity announces grants of €317,430 to promote physical activity among older people

Age & Opportunity is today marking the distribution of its Active National Grant Scheme to support sport and physical activity among older people.

Over €7.1 million has been awarded to date. This year €317,430 is being given to support 909 organisations, including active retirement groups, sports clubs and nursing and day care centres. Activities funded range from table tennis to tai chi, walking to weight-lifting and much more.

The Grant Scheme is a combined initiative with Sport Ireland.

Minister of State with special responsibility for Sport and Physical Education, Thomas Byrne TD, said: “Today’s funding announcement is very welcome news. The Age & Opportunity Active National Grant Scheme has already had a positive impact on communities across Ireland and has contributed towards improving the opportunities for older people to get involved in sports and physical activity.”

By financially supporting organisations to buy equipment and host courses specifically designed for older people, the grant helps older people reap the health benefits of being active.

Examples include a ‘Bat and Chat’ table tennis programme for older people in Miltown, Co Westmeath; a ‘Learn to Row’ camp with Tribesmen Rowers Club, which has many older rowers, in Galway; and a Boxercise course organised by Castleblayney Boxing Club, Co Monaghan.

Speaking about the grant, Chief Executive of Sport Ireland Dr Úna May commented: “By assisting with funding, we play a small part in providing better opportunities in our communities for our older generation to improve their physical and mental health through taking part in physical activity. Age & Opportunity is doing a wonderful job and I also want to acknowledge our own national network of Local Sports Partnerships who together do wonderful work in communities across the country.”

Karen Horgan, CEO of Age & Opportunity, welcomed the ongoing partnership with Sport Ireland.

“Today’s grant funding is helping us create an Ireland where more older people are more active and more connected. We are delighted to note the number of successful applications from sports clubs who are seeing an increase in the numbers of older people joining their activities. Indeed many of them are specifically organising courses to cater for an older cohort.”

“We are also delighted that this year 281 successful applications were from designated disadvantaged areas. In addition, there were 50 successful applications from nursing homes and 59 from day care centres.”

Of today’s funding allocations, grants were awarded to 18 Sports Partnerships, 148 sports clubs, 190 Irish Countrywomen’s Association Guilds, 199 Active Retirement Associations, 26 Men’s sheds and 6 Women’s sheds.

Every year approximately 30,000 older people take part in physical activity funded by the Grant Scheme. Activities funded include archery, rowing, dancing, cycling, clay pigeon shooting, kayaking, GAA and mountain biking.

See here for the number of successful organisations and amount awarded by county. For a full list of successful organisations by county please see here.

The Grant Scheme is part of Age & Opportunity’s Active programme, funded by Sport Ireland, and delivered nationwide with the support of the HSE and Local Sports Partnerships.

Work with us! PALs Coordinator, Active Programme

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We have an opportunity for a candidate who is highly motivated, with a strong project management background to join our Active Programme team as PALs Coordinator.

Our Active programme is the national sport and physical activity programme for older people funded by Sport Ireland and the HSE. The programme is designed to get older people in Ireland more active. Our PALs (Physical Activity Leaders) initiative is an education and peer leadership initiative which trains older people how to lead sport and physical activity sessions in their local groups and communities. We have a network of trained PALs around the country.  Our Physical Activity Leaders initiative also encompasses our CarePALs and PPALs initiatives.

Position: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week

Contract: 12 months Specified Purpose Contract initially

Salary: €37,000 to €40,000 per annum depending on level of experience

Reporting to: Active Programme Manager (and Active Programme Assistant Manager in her absence).

Location: Hybrid. The candidate will be required to travel nationally and also attend regular meetings in our Dublin office.

A full job description and person specification is available here:  Active Programme PALs Coordinator Job Description and Person Specification

To apply:

Please send your CV and cover letter, outlining how you match the criteria, by email to jobs@ageandopportunity.ie

Deadline for receipt of applications is Thursday the 18th of May at 5pm.

Interviews will be held on Thursday the 1st of June.

Shortlisting will apply.  Age & Opportunity is an equal opportunities employer.

 

We’re recruiting! Active Programme Administrator

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We’re recruiting an administrator for our Active Programme.

Our Active programme is the national sport and physical activity programme for older people funded by Sport Ireland and the HSE. The programme is designed to get older people in Ireland more active. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the national programme of physical activity for older people, working in a very rewarding and diverse role.

Position: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Salary: €32,000 per annum

Reporting to: Active Programme Manager (and Active Programme Assistant Manager in her absence).

Location: Hybrid. This will involve a mixture of working from home and attending our offices in Dublin for 2 days per week and when required for meetings.

A full job description and person specification can be found here:  Active Programme Administrator

To apply:
Please send your CV and cover letter, outlining how you match the criteria, by email to margaret.roe@ageandopportunity.ie

The deadline for receipt of applications is 5pm on Friday the 5th of May 2023.

Interviews will be held on Thursday the 11th of May 2023.

Shortlisting will apply. Age & Opportunity is an equal opportunities employer.

Work with us! PALs (Physical Activity Leader) Coordinator – Active Programme

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We have an opportunity for a candidate who is highly motivated, with a strong project management background to join our Active Programme team as PALs Coordinator.

Our Active programme is the national sport and physical activity programme for older people funded by Sport Ireland and the HSE. The programme is designed to get older people in Ireland more active. Our PALs (Physical Activity Leaders) initiative is an education and peer leadership initiative which trains older people how to lead sport and physical activity sessions in their local groups and communities. We have a network of trained PALs around the country.

Our Physical Activity Leaders initiative also encompasses our CarePALs and PPALs initiatives.

Our CarePALs initiative trains those working or volunteering in nursing homes and day care settings to lead suitable physical activities with people in their care.

Our PPALs initiative trains older adults with intellectual disability to take a leadership role promoting physical activity among their peers.

Position: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week
Contract: 12 months Specified Purpose Contract initially
Salary: €37,000 to €40,000 per annum depending on level of experience
Reporting to: Active Programme Manager (and Active Programme Assistant Manager in her absence).
Location: Hybrid. The candidate will be required to travel nationally and also attend regular meetings in our Dublin office.

A full job description and person specification is available here:  PALs Coordinator – Active Programme

To apply:
Please send your CV and cover letter, outlining how you match the criteria, by email to margaret.roe@ageandopportunity.ie

Deadline for receipt of applications is Friday the 24th of March 2023 at 5pm.

Interviews will be held on Thursday the 13th of April 2023.

Shortlisting will apply.

Age & Opportunity is an equal opportunities employer.

We’re recruiting! Assistant Programme Manager, Active Programme

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We have an opportunity for a candidate who is highly motivated and energetic with a strong project management background to join our Active team as Assistant Programme Manager.

Our Active programme is the national programme for sport and physical activity for older people funded by Sport Ireland and the HSE.

Position: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Salary:  €40,000 to €43,000, depending on the level of experience
Reporting to:  Active Programme Manager
Location: Hybrid. The candidate will be required to travel nationally and also attend regular meetings in our Dublin office.

A full job description and person specification is available here:   Assistant Programme Manager – Active Programme

To apply:
Please send your CV and cover letter, outlining how you match the criteria, by email to margaret.roe@ageandopportunity.ie

Deadline for receipt of applications is 5pm on Friday the 24th of March 2023.

Interviews will be held on Thursday the 13th of April 2023.

Shortlisting will apply.

Age & Opportunity is an equal opportunities employer.

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