This particular format of football ‘kicked off’ in Cumbria with Carlisle United FC Community Sports Trust establishing a Centre in the City. This was closely followed by a Centre in Penrith with the Leisure Centre hosting the activity which started in October 2015.

Fresh from the success of the Penrith centre, Cumberland FA’s Football Development Officer Paul Jennings worked with North Country Leisure and Whitehaven Sports Centre to set up a Centre to provide playing opportunities in West Cumbria. With Age UK West Cumbria also supporting the project, the sessions soon began.

An initial six week ‘taster session’ was delivered by Paul starting in November 2015 to gauge the interest. Players came along to the sessions and both the participants and the facility were keen to continue Walking Football weekly.

The Leisure Centre Staff are now delivering the sessions which has allowed the Centre to become sustainable. The Centre worked with Paul following the initial taster block to help their understanding of the game and build a connection with the players.

Many participants were originally concerned about their ability, fitness and health prior to taking part in one of the Walking Football Sessions. In fact participants come from a variety of backgrounds, including individuals who have played the game throughout their lives, to players who have never played since they left school and even individuals who have come from Rugby League.

Most participants are retired but younger individuals do attend as Walking Football fits their physical needs. All participants enjoy having a kick about and the social interaction is a key factor to their enjoyment!

The age range for the Whitehaven Centre is currently 62 – 76 years of age.

Stephen Cunningham from North Country Leisure commented "Our regulars are enjoying the sessions, improving their health and fitness as well as meeting new friends. Why not come along and give it a go as this could become your new passion”

Feedback on Walking Football from participants

Nick Coverdale said “Walking football is fantastic exercise and more energetic than what you may think. The sessions are also very socially interactive and provide an opportunity to meet new people or catch up with people you haven’t seen for a while”

John Ashburner said “I would certainly recommend Walking Football and is a much better work out than walking the dog”. 

Walking Football is arguably becoming the next big thing as players get older! Cumberland FA have also established a new Over 40s League, a central venue monthly playing opportunity for players who were either once playing in the Over 35s League or are coming back into the game.

The Carlisle and Penrith Walking Football Centres have also taken part in fixtures, with more planned in the future. There is an opportunity for a more regular ‘competition’, ‘festival’ style fixtures in the future as the Centres continue to be well attended!

For more details contact Paul Jennings, Football Development Officer on Paul.Jennings@CumberlandFA.com or 01900 872310 option 1.

Walking Football Centres

St Joseph's Catholic High School - Workington
Mondays: 4.30pm to 5.30pm
Contact: David Wise
Email: dw@st-josephs.cumbria.sch.uk  
Mobile: 07742547767

Carlisle United – Community Sports Trust, Neil Centre, Brunton Park, Warwick Road, Carlisle,  CA1 1LL
Tuesdays: 2.00pm to 3.00pm
 Contact: John Halpin
 T: 01228 554169
 E: fitc@carlisleunited.co.uk

Whitehaven Sports Centre – Flatt Walk, Whitehaven Cumbria, CA28 7RJ
Thursdays: 11.00am to 12.00pm
 Contact: Stephen Cunningham
 T: 01946 695666

Penrith Leisure Centre – Southend Road, Penrith, CA11 8JH
Fridays: 10.00am to 11.00am
 Contact: Anne Rylands
 T: 01768 863450

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