Walking football is the latest sport to spread across the UK, and has been growing very rapidly since a Barclays advert featured the sport. It is a fantastic way for people aged 50 and over to play football in a way they can manage and enjoy, and it has arrived in Bexley. The idea is simple; its normal football, but you can’t run.
The London FA have been running taster sessions throughout South-East England as part of their Just Play initiative, and two of these sessions ran at Bexleyheath Goals, who graciously allowed the sessions to run without charge, on the 18th and 21st of October. I attended the Tuesday night session where 12 men over the age of 50 participated in a well organised, enjoyable and friendly walking football session. They we're told a free kick would be awarded if anyone broke into a run and after a short warm up headed straight into a game. There was a feel at the session that anyone with any sort of ability could join in and have a great time doing so.
The introduction of this sport to Bexley will greatly benefit the older section of our community, and as David Streetley (the Just Play officer for Bexley, Lewisham and Greenwich) said, “All people who can’t play mainstream 5-a-side football can suddenly join in with a sport they enjoy”. He also spoke about how people have joined in that have heart conditions, spinal problems and other injuries, and this sport has given them a fantastic way to get active and socialise with others.
During the session, much to his disappointment as he was so engaged in the game, I pulled David Burke aside to ask him why he has decided to give this sport a try. He told me how ‘he loves football’ but hasn’t been able to play due to a knee transplant he has undergone. However, after seeing the Barclays advert, he researched the sport and, like many others, came down and got involved. He said it was one of the only opportunities he had to get a bit of exercise and meet friends, emphasising how vital this sport could become for Bexley’s community.
David Streetley spoke about the possibility of setting up weekly walking football sessions in Bexley if he gets enough interest, and then perhaps in the future setting up a local walking football league. There was an 84 year old woman participating in one of the Lewisham sessions, so any older men or women can get involved, even if you have an injury. So don’t hesitate to participate in this brilliant sport, whatever you’re ability or age.
If you would like to get involved, you can email David Streetley at David.Streetley@londonfa.com.
Daniel Hall, Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School
