Walking Football players enjoy unique experience at Nottingham Forest training ground with E.ON Next
Participants from Nottingham Forest Community Trust’s Walking Football programme were given a special opportunity to step into the dome at the Nigel Doughty Academy, as part of E.ON Next’s partnership with Nottingham Forest.
Nottingham Forest Community Trust’s Walking Football programme provides an inclusive and welcoming space for people of all abilities to take part in regular physical activity, while also supporting mental wellbeing and helping participants form lasting friendships.
The session brought together 14 regular players from the programme for a unique experience inside a Category 1 training environment, where they were able to train on the same surfaces used by elite players and enjoy the professional surroundings of the Club’s training base.
The event highlights E.ON Next’s and Nottingham Forest’s shared commitment to supporting local communities alongside their wider partnership, which focuses on helping drive positive change both on and off the pitch. As the Club’s official sustainability and training partner, E.ON Next works closely with Nottingham Forest to support initiatives that promote community wellbeing, raise awareness of energy issues and encourage more sustainable ways of living.
Through the partnership, the two organisations are also collaborating on initiatives designed to inspire action on climate change, support the Club’s ambition to reduce carbon emissions and contribute to a more sustainable future for Nottingham and beyond.
The walking football session reflects this broader ambition in action, using the power of football to bring people together, support healthier lifestyles and strengthen connections within the local community.
Former Nottingham Forest player Nigel Jemson also joined the session, taking part alongside the group and sharing stories from his playing career, adding to what was a memorable and inspiring experience for everyone involved.
Participants highlighted the benefits of the weekly sessions, from improving fitness to creating opportunities to connect socially, with many taking part in post-session activities that help strengthen a sense of community.
Scott Somerville, Director of External Affairs at E.ON UK, said: “Partnerships like this show the real impact football can have beyond the pitch. By working closely with Nottingham Forest, we’re helping create opportunities that bring people together, support wellbeing and make a positive difference in local communities.
“Alongside our wider work with the Club to support sustainability and raise awareness of energy issues, initiatives like this demonstrate how we can combine community impact with meaningful action toward a greener, more inclusive future.”
Colin Eley, Health and Wellbeing Manager at Nottingham Forest Community Trust, added: “Our Walking Football programme plays a really important role in supporting people to stay active, improve their physical health and, most importantly, feel connected.
“Opportunities like this at the Nigel Doughty Academy are incredibly special. For many participants, it’s not just about football – it’s about shared experiences and creating lasting memories in a setting they wouldn’t usually have access to.
“We are very grateful to E.ON Next and Nottingham Forest Football Club for their continued support in helping make experiences like this possible.”
Creating lasting impact
Together, E.ON Next and Nottingham Forest are showing how football can play a powerful role in driving positive change – supporting communities, inspiring climate action and helping create a cleaner, more sustainable future for Nottingham and beyond.