Walking Football
Enjoy The Beautiful Game At A Slower Pace!
YOU CAN TALK THE TALK BUT CAN YOU WALK THE WALK?
No Sprinting. No Running. Don't Even Think About Jogging!
Walking Football is exactly as the name suggests - you play football, walking. Usually aimed at people over 50, this inclusive, fun and sociable 5-a-side version of the game is slow-paced but lacks none of the passion or excitement of the original game.
Whether you're looking to keep active, stay fit, or simply want to play for the love of the game, Walking Football offers the perfect opportunity to take to the pitch.
As well as the health benefits associated with most forms of physical activity; keeping fit and active, weight loss etc there are also many social health benefits that come with playing Walking Football.
Taking time to socialise, meet new people or even build confidence are all part and parcel of taking part in this slower version of the beautiful game.
We've teamed up with a number of partners across the game to ensure that Walking Football is provided at locations throughout London.
Indoor or outdoors. Male, female or mixed sessions. Morning or afternoon. There's a session to suit you!
If you would like to take part as a player, set up a new Walking Football session, or are currently running any Walking Football actvities, please let us know using the contact details above.
Get In Touch
Conor McBrearty
Disability and Inclusion Football Development Officer
You will be asked before the session of any medical or health implications that may affect your involvement. However, if you have any concerns, please contact London FA Football Development Manager Laura Foster at laura.foster@londonfa.com for more information and advice.
Some sessions are age restricted but please contact [name | email] before you attend to find out more information.
Current lONDON FA WALKING FOOTBALL SESSIONS:
| London Sites | Address | Postcode | Weekdays | Weekends | Contact |
| Battersea Sports Centre | Hope Street, London | SW11 2DA |
Tuesday 2.00pm - 3.00pm |
Age UK Wandsworth exercise@ageukwandsworth.org.uk 020 8877 8940 |
|
| University of Roehampton | Froebel College, Roehampton Lane, London | SW15 5PU |
Wednesdays 11.00am-12.00pm (Women’s Team) (Men’s Team) |
Age UK Wandsworth exercise@ageukwandsworth.org.uk 020 8877 8940 |
|
| Ferndale Leisure Centre (£20 per-month - equal to £2.50 per session) | Nursery Road, London | SW9 8BP |
Friday 19:30 - 20:30
|
Sunday 10:00 - 11:00
|
www.playfootball.net |
| Market Road ATP's | Market Road, London | N7 9PL |
Tuesday 10:00 - 11:00 (from 31/10) |
Sunday 10:00 - 11:00 (from 05/11) |
www.playfootball.net |
| PlayFootball Shepherd's Bush | 41 South Africa Road, London | W12 7RW |
Thursday 10:00 - 11:00 (from 02/11) |
Saturday 10:00 - 11:00 (from 04/11) |
www.playfootball.net |
| Mile End Leisure Centre | 190 Burdett Road, London | E3 4HL |
Thursday 10:00 - 11:00 (from 02/11) |
Sunday 10:00 - 11:00 (from 05/11) |
www.playfootball.net |
| Coldharbour Leisure Centre | Chapel Farm Road, London | SE9 3LX | Thursday 10:00 - 11:00 (from 02/11) |
Sunday 10:00 - 11:00 (from 05/11) |
www.playfootball.net |
| The Castle Centre | 2 St. Gabriel Walk, Elephant & Castle | SE1 6FG |
Tuesday 13:30 - 15:00 |
N/A |
07450 611 155 |
| Ten Em Bee Development Centre | 120a Old Bromley Road, Bromley | BR1 4JY |
Wednesday 3.00-4.00pm Thursday 7.00 -8.00pm |
Trevor Pybus Trevor.pybus@blueribbonfoundation.org.uk 07821 292317 |
|
| Active Soccer North London | New River Sports Centre, White Hart Lane, London | N22 5QW | Thursdays 7-8pm |
Walking Football Benefits:
Social Benefits:
Walking Football has incredible social benefits for the casual participant. It is an opportunity to meet new people, to be part of a group, and to rekindle a sense of camaraderie within a team environment. Team sport builds confidence, develops friendships, and encourages social opportunities away from the football pitch. Most of our sessions are followed by a visit to the site café which gives everyone an opportunity to foster relationships off the field.
Mental Benefits:
A study carried out among older men in Dublin showed that they have high levels of satisfaction and psychological reward from walking football. It also showed that despite the body having to work hard, the mind was more relaxed and there was a reduction in stress. Due to the continuous thinking and decision making that goes into walking football, participants are more likely to develop a long-term enthusiasm for exercise. (P.Reddy, Aston University).
Physical Benefits:
Active adults have a 20-30% reduced risk of premature death and 50% less risk of chronic disease. But by the age of 55-64, only 32% of men say that they take the recommended 30 minutes of strenuous exercise five times a week. Football is one answer to this concern. Older people who play Walking Football have more muscle, harder bones, better cardiovascular systems and more jumping height and strength.