Chesterfield proudly lays claim to being the home of organised walking football. Chesterfield FC Community Trust launched its walking football programme in July 2011 as part of the ‘Extra Time’ initiative aimed at people predominantly aged 50 years and over.
It was hoped that the programme would complement other physical activities for people aged 50 years plus in the local area and would be particularly attractive for men.
John Croot, CEO of the Community Trust, recalls how he came up with the idea of walking football over a decade ago. He said: “I attended a meeting about the Extra Time initiative, and they were keen to develop programmes which would help people aged 50 and over keep active and form friendship groups.
“As I was driving back home from the meeting, I thought, ‘Why don’t we get people playing football, but walking instead of running?’ It all started there, and we introduced some walking football sessions.”
John takes immense pride from the fact that Chesterfield has played a key role in a global phenomenon. “Walking football started out as a small idea that rapidly grew to become one of the fasting growing sports in the world,” he said.
“It’s huge with so many people getting involved and it’s fantastic that it was started in Chesterfield. Walking football was designed to be a fun, social activity for people over 50 and we really feel that we’ve created that.
“Most of the teams end up going for a drink together after the games and they meet up socially outside of football and create an environment where everyone feels welcome.
“Don’t mistake it, though, walking football is extremely competitive and if you ever watch any of the matches, you’ll see what we mean.
“Despite the fact it’s designed to be social and fun, there’s a huge edge of competitiveness and all the players want to win.”
As well as the physical benefits, John stresses the role walking football can play in improving mental health. “Walking football is designed to get people out of the house,” he commented.
“It’s good for physical health but it’s also fantastic for mental health. It gets people out of the house and socialising with people that they otherwise wouldn’t meet.
“Loneliness is a massive problem in our society and the elderly generation are the main group that are affected by this.
“Walking football really provides people with an opportunity to have social contact whilst also improving their physical health.
“It’s also about feeling part of something. If you’re part of a team, you feel like you’ve got something to look forward to.
“You have something to achieve and a purpose. One of the main points of feedback we get is how matches and training bring their social side out. It’s simply because they feel part of a team and part of something special.”
John urges anyone who fancies playing walking football to give it a go. “We have both women and men’s classes and teams and literally anyone is welcome,” he added.
“It doesn’t matter if you’ve never played football before or not, all abilities are welcome.
“Your physical health will improve, and your mental health will benefit. Come along and give it a try.”
Men who are interested in finding out more about walking football sessions in the Chesterfield area should email malc.perks@live.co.uk. For women’s sessions, please email alyssjackson@spireitestrust.org.uk.
