A Coventry Walking Football club has started the city’s first ever women only sessions of the fast-growing sport.
Coventry and District Walking Football Club have been holding mens sessions for a number of years, but the club now proudly puts on weekly sessions aimed at women aged over 35.
The sessions are held at CV Life’s Alan Higgs Centre on Wednesdays at 6pm.
Walking football, a slower version of the beautiful game, has been gaining traction and popularity in the UK with older people and the less mobile for the last ten years.
There are numerous groups and clubs in Coventry, though none cater solely for women, making the new session unique in the city.
Alwyn Day, Club Secretary for Coventry and District Walking Football Club, said: “We know there is huge interest now in women’s football, particularly following the success of the Lionesses. This has resulted in us receiving requests from women in Coventry and the surrounding areas asking if we have a woman’s section. We didn’t, so now it’s time to change that.
“There are several clubs where girls and younger women can go and play regular football, but nothing in this area for those aged over 35 to go and play the slower paced game if they feel regular football isn’t an option.
“Walking football is one of the fastest growing sports for men and women in the country and we want to be the first in this area to give women the opportunity to play locally without travelling miles to find a club. We have the organisation, we have the equipment, we have the will and the know how, we just need the players!
“So we are inviting women over the age of 35, no matter their ability, to come along and play walking football at the Alan Higgs Centre for a free of charge taster session. We will be using an indoor pitch – so no worries about the weather!
“This is an opportunity to join like-minded women to play walking football in a well organised and established club with excellent facilities. There is also a great social side to the club.”
Steph and Becky are two players who have already gone along to the initial sessions.
Steph said: “I used to play football when I was younger, but growing up I had knee injuries that prevented me from playing a fast-paced game. Since the recent success of the Lionesses, it’s inspired me to try walking football. It’s great exercise and a real boost for confidence.”
Becky added: “I joined walking football mostly to get active and fit, but got so much more out of it. It’s great for not only physical fitness but mental health too, by socialising with different people and feeling part of a community with similar interests.”
Find out more about the sessions here.