With two Women’s Walking Football Centres in Cumberland now established, there are now opportunities for girls and women from age 6 to 100 (and beyond!) to play the beautiful game!

Following the recent success of the England Women’s Team and the increased profile of the women’s club game, it has helped bring more women into the game, knowing that there are chances to play across the county.

There has never been more opportunities for women to play football in Cumberland, whether this is in the Andrea Buggy Women’s (summer 9v9) League, 11v11 during the traditional season in regional or county leagues across the North West of England as well as the Over 35 Turn Up and Play sessions.

And now there are two Walking Football Centres offering women of all ages and abilities the chance to play! 

Walking Football opens the door for players who want to continue playing, want to return to the game, or haven’t played before. With no running, jogging or heading – and tackling with reduced contact – walking football is a fun and safe way for players to enjoy football and socialise together. The slower pace, lack of physical contact and positive environment has physical, social and mental benefits. 

Where are the Walking Football Centres?

WORKINGTON 

BRAND NEW - St Joseph’s Ladies Walking Football Club will begin sessions on Friday 5 April 2024!

This is open to ALL women aged 35+, whether you have played football before or you’re new to the game. Based in Workington, the Club are on the look out for women to come along and get involved!

Friday 6-7pm at St Joseph’s School Astro, Workington (£3 per session)

Join the Facebook page here and get more information.

CARLISLE

Carlisle Women’s Walking Football Club was initially founded with support from Age UK. The women continued to meet and play following this programme and it has gone from strength to strength, having a kick around every Friday with any women aged 18+ welcome to come along.

Friday 5-6pm at Soccerworld, Carlisle (£5 per session)

Contact Emma to register an interest or get more information: 07787431550

A number of the women involved in both Walking Football Centres also attend the Over 35 Turn Up and Play sessions so friendly faces will welcome any newcomers whatever experience or ability! 

click here for information on Women’s Football

For more information on the regular Over 35’s Turn Up and Play sessions in Carlisle, Brampton, Penrith and Workington please click HERE.

With more than 100 women getting involved since March 2023, the sessions have now formed part of The FA’s Just Play programme to support the sustainability of the sessions. There’s also a Facebook page for women to connect and keep up to date with information.

Cumberland FA’s Football Development Officer Helen Aitchison said “For many women aged 40+, football wasn’t option when we were growing up. It wasn’t offered in schools and there were very few clubs around offering organised opportunities; thankfully now girls are getting these opportunities to play and with support from The FA and with increased exposure of women’s football on the television we’re seeing more women coming along to have a go on the pitch while enjoying the camaraderie and social side of things.”

If you would like more information on getting into football, please email Helen Aitchison, Cumberland FA’s Women and Girls Football Development Officer on Development@CumberlandFA.com or telephone 01900 511800.