The Turn up and Play sessions are back for the 2023-24 season with a number of sessions around the county confirmed, and more to follow!

Any women aged 35 and over are invited to come along and play – with any experience welcome. The events are played in a friendly atmosphere as we aim to increase the number of playing opportunities for this age group.

Helen Aitchison, Women & Girls Football Development Officer at Cumberland FA, said: “The impact of the Lionesses in recent years has fuelled the ‘want’ for women aged 35+ to play football in an environment they are comfortable with. With many women of this age with children now getting a little older, there is more chance for ‘me time’.”

The Over-35s project has so far brought more than 50 women back into the game or provided additional playing opportunities for players to play against women closer to their age.

Helen added: “Many women aged 35+ consider themselves as the ‘lost’ generation where playing opportunities growing up were few and far between, so we’re determined to encourage as many women as possible to come along and have a go; to build a network of interested women which will grow this area of the game moving forward.”


Sunday 24 September 3 – 4:30pm
Harraby 3G pens, Carlisle

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Sunday 15 October 3-4pm
Lakes College 3G

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(hosted by Allerdale Wildcats)

November date for Penrith – date to be confirmed shortly

Sunday 21 January 2024 2–3:30pm
Brampton (William Howard School)
Indoor – Sports Hall

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Delivered by Westmorland FA (all at Dallam School 3G 12-2pm)
Sunday 1st October
Sunday 5th November
Sunday 3rd December

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More dates will soon be confirmed across Cumberland and the plan is to run a festival event in April/May time.


We know that these times and days may not suit everyone, so if you are keen to set something up locally (on your terms regarding times and days etc), please do get in touch via Helen.Aitchison@CumberlandFA.com 

There could be some funding available through the ‘Just Play’ initiative from The FA and Cumberland FA to set up new sessions across the county. 

If you’re not sure whether you want to take this step and sign up to one of the sessions, here is some feedback from previous events:

“It was a fantastic afternoon and I really enjoyed it with real friendly ladies and a great atmosphere thank you very much” 

“I had a great time! Thanks to everyone that came and showed us newbies the ropes!” 

“I absolutely loved every minute of it. Thanks for organising it. Already can't wait to sign up for another one. A fantastic bunch of ladies who made me feel really comfortable x”


A Facebook page has also been created to bring women aged 35 and over together to share information and develop a community of players and volunteers into the game. You can ask to join the Women only group HERE

If you have any queries, please contact Cumberland FA’s Football Development Officer Helen Aitchison on 01900 511800 or email Helen.Aitchison@CumberlandFA.com