Killymoon Rangers Older Mens New Football Program

Aim

A new older men’s football programme helping inactive men return to sport, improve physical wellbeing and reconnect in Cookstown to March 26

Who are we?

Killymoon Rangers FC was established in 1971 to provide footballing opportunities for the people in Cookstown. Now over 50 years old, we are the oldest football club in the town by a considerable distance. Over the last 52 years, the club has worked tirelessly to continue to offer high quality and accessible sporting and leisure opportunities for people of all abilities and backgrounds in the local area. It is our aim to advance the health and well-being in our community through sporting activity, helping to increase the levels of physical activity while also bringing people together socially. 

We currently have 2 male senior teams, a 1st XI and our reserves team, with over 40 players between the two squads. Our 1st XI currently play in the Ballymena and Provincial Football League. We currently play our matches at Mid Ulster Sports Arena and Beechway playing fields in the heart of Cookstown.

We operate to provide unique, high-quality opportunities to local residents, all with the aim to enhancing their health and well-being. This includes assisting them in enhancing their physical health, through increased sporting and physical activity, as well as their mental well-being, providing them with a regular social outlet, where they can engage and interact with a wide array of people. Our participants come from a range of different backgrounds, and we use the common love of sport to break down communication barriers, helping to foster new relationships. All of this is done to enhance the cohesion and togetherness in the local community of Cookstown. 

Why are we crowdfunding?

We are crowdfunding to do a new programme for older men in Cookstown and surrounding rural areas who dont play much football no more- Up to the end of March this year. 

We will deliver 8 hours of new football and fitness each week, to the end of March.

Each week sessions will include gentle warm ups, mobility work, walking football with adapted rules, light football drills, and simple circuit exercises using bodyweight and low impact equipment. We will also include cool downs, stretching and time to chat afterwards, as the social side is just as important as the activity itself.

Most of our current programmes are for younger men but not older men so this project is about giving older men in our community here in Cookstown the chance to get active again in a way that feels comfortable, welcoming and achievable.

Many men aged 65+ in Cookstown and the wider Mid Ulster area stop taking part in sport as they get older. For some it is due to health issues or injuries, while others lose confidence or feel that football has become too fast or competitive for them. As a result, this age group is often missing from club life, despite being one of the groups most at risk of isolation and declining health.

Through this new project, we want to change that by offering a new walking football and low impact physical activity programme aimed specifically at older men who are inactive, returning after a long break, or trying organised activity for the first time. This is a new and additional project for our club and focuses on a group not currently involved in any of our playing or social activities.

We expect 25 to 30 older men to take part. Sessions will run at 8 hours per week through to the end of March and will be delivered in a relaxed, supportive and non competitive environment where everyone can take part at their own pace.

Walking football and light circuit training are ideal formats for this age group. They allow participants to improve fitness, balance and confidence without fear of injury, while still enjoying the fun and teamwork that football brings.

All sessions will be led by qualified coaches who understand how to work with older adults and adapt activities to suit different abilities. Nobody will be pushed beyond their comfort level.

We also want participants to feel part of the club, not just attendees. Those who wish to will be encouraged to help with session setup, equipment or future volunteering and planning, helping them reconnect socially and feel valued again.

By removing cost barriers and creating an age appropriate entry point, this project helps older men feel that football still has a place for them. It supports healthier lifestyles, stronger connections and long term involvement in community sport

How we’ll spend the money raised

All funds raised will be for the following- Remember if we raise £5,000 Sport NI will give us £5,000 so a total of £10,000 we are targetting:

Facility Hire 8 hours per week (72 hours total programme deliver up to end of March 26) @ £45 per hour hire = £3,240

Coaching costs @ £35 per hour 72 hours total x 2 coaches= £5,040

Equipment £1,720:  Footballs (20 training balls) £600;  200 training cones (mixed sizes) £220 Training bibs (40 mixed sizes) £300;  Agility ladders and coordination equipment £600 (10 agility ladders, 6 coordination hoops sets 4 speed hurdles)

Community impact

We offer young men from the local community and further afield the opportunity to become involved in football activities that support physical health, mental wellbeing and positive social connection. Football provides a strong platform for developing transferable life skills such as communication, teamwork, discipline and leadership, which benefit participants well beyond sport.

With increased participation, particularly from rural areas, the club brings people from different backgrounds together in a shared, positive environment. We are committed to ensuring everyone feels welcome and included, regardless of background, age, beliefs or ability.

Through our activities, the club acts as an important community connector, helping reduce isolation, build confidence and strengthen relationships across the wider area.

How you can play your part

There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.

1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!

2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.

3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!

4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made