Story added: 26th September 2018
Brian Routledge, 72-years-old, has been attending the Foundation’s Extra Time programme since his retirement in 2008.
The programme aims to engage men and women aged 55 plus in weekly physical and social sessions.
“All my life I had been a keen sportsman, in particular playing competitive football and basketball,” Brian said. “When I retired, I began to look for organised activities in my local area and chanced on a small news item about a brand new programme called Extra Time which had been submitted by Bill Punton, one of the legendary ‘59’s, from Norwich City’s famous cup run.”
The venue for Extra Time was to be Carrow Park at Norwich City FC and Brian decided to attend the session.
“I recall coming away with a feeling of having made some potential new friends, whilst enjoying enormously the five-aside-football and the social gathering afterwards.
“The common denominator, as far as the attendees were concerned, was that we were either season ticket holders or followers in general of the Canaries and this led to an immediate bond and friendship amongst the participants.”
Extra Time allows attendees to explore a wide range of different sports such as football, cricket and table tennis, together with the opportunity to discuss a variety of topics within the social sessions, which are often headlined by a guest speaker.
Guest speaker Jessica-Jane Applegate MBE
“The post-activity social sessions are a great way of getting to know everybody and offer a good range of interesting speakers including, to date, executives and former players from Norwich City, members of the press and other people or professionals that have an interesting story.
“The great thing about being involved with Extra Time is that one can participate at any level depending on one’s desire or degree of fitness and the reward is the opportunity to improve physical wellbeing, whilst at the same time making new friends and acquaintances.
“How lucky I was to spot that news item, because the programme has allowed me to push back time!”
To book your place or find out more about Extra Time, please click here or call our Customer Engagement Team on 01603 761122.
""The programme has allowed me to push back time!""
Brian Routledge
Extra Time participant
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When you donate a little each month, you will be helping to transform the lives of local people of all ages who need our support – giving them the opportunity to connect with others like them, feel happier and healthier in themselves, and raise their aspirations.
We have Soccer Schools running at venues across Norfolk & Suffolk, and whether participants are new to football, or are already a budding Canary superstar, the Soccer Schools programme has been put together to provide a fun, holiday activity at an affordable price.
As Norwich City Football Club's official charity partner, we help thousands of people every year achieve their goals through sport, supporting some of the most disadvantaged, disabled and talented people across Norfolk. Our vision is to support, inspire, and improve our community.
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