Gretna Walking Football

Walking into 2020

Football for Over 50s Continues to Grow

2019 has been a fantastic year for Walking Football in Cumberland with the growth in the slower paced game evident in the success of the Cumberland Walking Football League programme!

Cumberland FA brought the Walking Football centres together to form a league and festival programme to increase the match opportunities for the established Centres across the county. Beginning in January 2019, the monthly central venue programme moved around the county giving all Centres the opportunity to play.

The format for Over 50s where only walking is allowed has encouraged many retired players to come back to the game as well as introduce some new players to the game. Many of the Walking Football Centres are about more than the kick about each week. As well as the match programme on Sunday’s throughout the year, the Centres give players an opportunity to get together and socialise.

Gretna FC 2008 were the inaugural Cumberland FA Walking Football Champions, claiming the title on goal difference over Workington St Josephs Blue.

Carlisle United Community Sports Trust entered 2 teams, Penrith Carrs entered Billington and Oldies with another team from Workington St Josephs Black and Westmorland Warriors.

Not sure what it is all about, check out the highlights from Match Day 1 in April 2019.

View the Highlights

Penrith Walking Football Centre were the Winners of the Cumberland FA Grassroots Project of the Year. It was formed from a group of players from a 1960s football team in Penrith. Since its formation, the centre has grown and there are now 30 regular players playing and socialising each week. Click HERE to find out more.

Visit the Cumberland FA Walking Football League Website

Check out the video from BBC on how walking football' is helping men with mental health problems

THE FUTURE

 Now the league looks ahead to 2020 with the AGM taking place on 21 January where the season’s events and competitions will be confirmed. The Cumberland Building Society will once again be supporting this format of the game across the county.

New and existing teams are welcome to attend. With the game becoming more popular, there are plans to have more opportunities for those aged Over 60 as well as the Over 50 age group.

For more information or to find out the nearest Walking Football Centre please contact Ray Sempill on 01900 511800 or email Ray.Sempill@CumberlandFA.com