Seniors encouraged to take part in walking football

An over-70s walking football tournament took place in Dronfield earlier this week and Senior Spireites FC were there to take part, with other walking football teams from clubs such as Mansfield Town and Worksop Town also participating in the event. 

John, who is one of the players for Senior Spireites FC, said: “It’s very important for my fitness. It’s just a case of keeping fit and being happy.

“We all enjoy it; we all get mixed in and have lots of fun. It’s a great setup. I play three or four times a week in all kinds of weather, it’s so much fun.”

He also encouraged people to come down and have a go themselves, saying: “Get up off your sofa, find out where the sessions are, come down and have some fun. It’s fantastic.”

The tournament that took place also raised money for charity, with nearly £500 raised to be split between the Ukraine disaster fund and Ashgate Hospice. 

Neil Haddy, who is the treasurer of Senior Spireites FC, believes that the tournament encapsulated all that walking football was created for. He said: “It’s what walking football is all about. The idea from the beginning was fun, fitness and friendship and that’s what today’s been about. 

“We’ve raised nearly £500, which is great! Plus, everyone has had fun at the same time. It’s been really successful.”

He also encouraged others to get involved with walking football. “You’ve got to do it, there’s no two ways about it, it’s so much fun. If you’ve got grandparents, bring them down. Also, if you’re a grandparent, come down!”

Chesterfield academy player Leigh Whelan attended the tournament to hand out the awards.

He was impressed with what he saw, saying: “It’s a good standard, it’s great to see. 

“It’s good for people in that age bracket to be able to get out and about and have a kick about. They get to meet new people, which is what football is all about.

“I think it’s important for the academy to get involved in the community and get stuck in with all the different aspects of football.”

Chesterfield FC Community Trust has played a pioneering role in walking football after setting up a programme in July 2011 as part of an initiative aimed at people predominantly aged 50 years and over.

The sport has enjoyed massive global growth since then, providing a fun opportunity for over-50s to exercise, meet new people and get out and about.

Walking football sessions take place on a regular basis and anyone over the age of 50 is welcome. The Community Trust and Senior Spireites FC are hoping to expand their walking football activities even further in the future. Women’s walking football sessions were recently introduced by the Trust, taking place in the sports hall in the HUB at the Technique Stadium. 

If you’re interested in taking part in the Senior Spireites FC sessions, please email: ianed@live.co.uk. For more information on the women’s football sessions at the HUB, please email alyssjackson@spireitestrust.org.uk.

Take a look at the video below, which includes action and interviews from the over-70s tournament: