Kalvin Phillips lent his support to a walking football tournament recently all in aid of raising funds for the Leeds United Foundation.

BTEC students from Leeds Beckett University organised the event on behalf of the club's official charity to raise awareness about the sport and help raise some funds for the Corner Flag Cafe which is a project delivered by disability coaches from the Foundation.

During the visit the Whites midfielder spent time watching the final game of the tournament which was held at the Goals facility in the city centre and he was also on hand to give out medals to the winning team, chat with those involved and have some photos.

The Leeds United star spoke to LUTV during the visit and said: "It was really good to see the age range on show, guys from their 20s through to their 60s taking part and all for a good cause for the Foundation - the game I saw was really competitive as well.

"I actually know one of the guys taking part, he plays for Leeds Titans and was one of my coaches at Wortley when I was younger and from speaking to him I know how good walking football can be for older people keeping fit and being able to keep that little bug for football."

The Corner Flag Cafe is a monthly event held at Elland Road for people suffering with early-onset dementia to stay socially active. The participants and their carers are invited to reminisce about all things Leeds United as they get the chance to have discussions, look at old memorabilia and they've recently included some physical activity to help with their health. 

Walking football is a sport aimed at people aged over 50 who still want to play and engage in football, but due to a lack of mobility or for another reason, are unable to play the traditional game.

The game can be played indoors and outdoors and has a few different rules to the traditional game, the main one being if you run you concede a free-kick to the other side. It is a great way of helping people to stay active as it promotes cardiovascular fitness whilst producing the least amount of stress on the body.

Anthony Hall, Disability Officer for the Leeds United Foundation, spoke about the occasion and said: "This was a little event some Leeds Beckett students organised on behalf of the Foundation and its all about raising money for the Corner Flag Cafe programme. 

"They've organised a walking football tournament and it's been good as there's been a lot of older vs younger games which has been good especially for the youngsters to learn a  bit more about the sport and how important it is that you can still play football when you're older.

"As the charity arm of the football club we do rely on funding and donations to deliver our programmes so a big thank you to the students and for Kalvin coming along to make it even more special."

For more information on the disability programmes delivered by the Leeds United Foundation please contact Anthony.Hall@leedsunited.com.