Created in 2011, the sport of walking football is a unique small-sided spin on one of the most popular sport in the world. Removing the fundamentals of running and contact, walking football increases it’s inclusivity by decreasing the threat of pain, discomfort and injury, while still providing the positive physical and mental affects of the traditional sport.
It’s appeal to a wider audience has seen the sport grow increasingly in popularity both in Dorset and the wider world since its inception.
Bournemouth Walking Football Club, founded in 2019, is an expanding club with over 4 active teams competing in the Dorset Walking Football League. They have been competing for around 8 years and have seen success winning the mens over 50s and over 60s twice. In this time, Chairman Alan Spark has seen a real rise in the growth of the club.
“We started with around 30 members,” says Sparks, ” now there’s something like 250 with about 50 to 60 being the women’s teams,”
“We have a very large women’s group and are looking at the possibility of having a league for over 40s as well.”
Sparks founded the league in 2018, and is still playing at the age of 81.
“You do find older players who still play” says Sparks. “That’s the progression and best thing about walking football, that it’s designed for safety,”
“You find a lot of vets football is too rigorous or too strong and people might have injuries, so they can slot into walking football easily. It’s becoming a very popular sport because it means that more people can still play the game and get the physical and mental benefits that come with it.”
Matt Stooleworthy has been at Bournemouth Walking Football Club for nine months and it’s his new teams first season together.
“I can’t speak highly enough of Bournemouth Walking Football Club or the game itself,” says Stooleworthy, “it gets people together and helps you meet new people.”
“Since I’ve joined the club it’s been very friendly; it’s a very well run club.”
However, it’s not just the people who keep Stooleworthy coming back.
“Its good for mental health, it keeps people fit, even though its walking you still cover a lot of ground, do a lot of steps, and it keeps the weight off,” says Stooleworthy.
From an experienced player to a novice, Dylan Brown joined the club last week for the over 50s team.
“I wanted to get a bit fitter, get a bit more active. I saw this pop up just before Christmas and thought lets give it a go” says Brown.
He is still currently playing five-a-side but since finding walking football, is considering the switch.
“Five-a-side can be carnage and is really hard work. Whereas this is actually a better level and less chance of getting injured which at my age is perfect,” says Brown.
The sport isn’t without its flaws. Due to it’s relatively recent creation, there are ongoing arguments surrounding certain key rules.
“Walking, jogging, running, it’s a bit of a grey area,” says Sparks, “It hasn’t been worked out exactly what walking is and what you can get away with yet.”
Nevertheless, walking football remains an ever growing constant in the sporting world, providing opportunities for people of all ages to keep active and reap the physical and mental rewards that sport provides.
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