Following their 2-0 quarter-final win over Sweden on Saturday, Cumberland FA is getting behind Gareth Southgate and the England team as they prepare to face Croatia in the semi-finals on Wednesday.

With the FIFA World Cup on most people’s minds as we prepare for the biggest England game in a generation, youngsters are experiencing World Cup knockout football for the first time; something that will stay with them forever.

Just like Italia 90 defined so many childhoods, Russia 2018 could do the same for young players across Cumberland.

With World Cup fever in the air, we’re hoping that grassroots football participation can receive a boost; whether that’s playing, coaching, refereeing or volunteering. If you’re feeling inspired and want to get involved, please read on…

PLAY

Walking Football (Age 50+) – A brand-new session has begun in Keswick, bringing the number of centres in Cumberland to eight. Sessions take place in Carlisle, Cockermouth, Penrith, Workington, Whitehaven and Wigton.

Veterans (Age 40+) – Monthly central venue fixtures take place throughout the season.

Veterans (Age 35+) – 18 teams are currently playing in the Cumberland-based league in three divisions, providing opportunities across the county for all levels.

Adult Male (Age 16+) – If you’re interested in playing 11v11 football across Cumberland, there are teams based in all areas. Visit our County Leagues page to find out about Saturday and Sunday football teams.

Women (Age 16+) - With the Cumberland FA Women’s League currently playing throughout the summer period (Wednesday evenings), there are opportunities to get involved in matches right away.

Prosecco Soccer - Perfect for anyone looking to get involved in football who just fancies a kick-about and to socialise. Visit the Women’s page on our website for more details.

Inclusion – The Cumberland Ability Counts League caters for pan disability players aged 16 and above. There are also opportunities for youth players to play in weekly sessions at Carlisle, Whitehaven and Workington and fortnightly Frame Football sessions. Visit our Disability page to find out more.

Youth (Boys, Girls and Mixed) – Leagues across the county offer regular playing opportunities from Under-7 to Under-16s for boys and girls. Click here to find out more.

SSE Wildcats - SSE Wildcats Girls’ Football Centres provide girls aged 5-11 with regular opportunities to play football. The initiative offers organised sessions in a fun and engaging environment created exclusively for girls. Click here to read more. 

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, get in touch with us on 01900 511800 and we’ll find an opportunity that’s right for you.

REFEREE

Without a referee, football would not be possible. The FA Referees Course is designed for anyone aged 14+ and the next course in Cumberland begins on 23 August in Workington.  Please click here for details.

COACH

Fancy becoming a grassroots coach and helping to develop the next generation of football stars? Find out how you can get into coaching by clicking here

VOLUNTEER

Without the ‘behind the scenes’ volunteers, there would be no grassroots football across Cumberland. Find your
role in volunteering by clicking here

In the build up to the FIFA World Cup Semi-Final, we'd like to see if anyone from Cumberland has met an England star, past or present. Send us in your photos and we'll share to show #CumberlandSupport!

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