Walking Football is for Everyone: England Launches Men’s Over-40s Walking Football Team

 


England Launches Men’s Over-40s Walking Football Team

As I’ve always said — football is for everyone. And the latest news proves it: England has just launched its first Men’s Over-40s Walking Football team, with Steve Clifford and Danny Boyes taking on the joint manager roles. It’s a great step forward for the game and a reminder that age is just a number.

For years, walking football has been seen as something you take up after 50, maybe when your knees or hamstrings start whispering back at you. But the truth is, the game was never about limits — it was always about inclusion. This new England side shows that you don’t have to wait for a milestone birthday to enjoy the buzz, the camaraderie, and the joy of football without the lung-busting sprints.

We’ve seen the same spirit at our own club. Some of our younger players absolutely love walking football — not because they can’t run, but because it gives them space to think, to pass, to play the game in a different way. After all, no one’s judging your sprint speed here — the only thing running is usually the kettle. ☕

Take Bob, for example. He still plays running football, but he swears walking football has sharpened his finishing. He says he’s scoring more goals than ever in the running game, simply because walking football taught him patience and precision. Not bad for a man who claims his warm-up is just finding his boots! 👟

Or Steff, who thought he’d have to wait until he turned 50 before joining in. Now he’s not only playing, but also running training sessions — proof that passion, not age, is what really counts.

This Over-40s England team is an exciting development for the sport, and it feels like the right step at the right time. It opens doors, brings in new players, and celebrates the simple truth we all know on the pitch:

👉 Age is just a number — and if you’re good enough, you’re old enough.


If you’ve got walking football news, events, or stories you’d like to share with the wider community, I’d love to hear from you. You can submit them over on Lenny’s News and Events Page — it’s a place where we celebrate the game together.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

3 Touch or Not???

Image
When we first set up our walking-football club, I’ll admit I wasn’t a fan of the idea of “three-touch only.” I’d played under that rule at another club and all I remembered was arguments, stoppages, and more moaning than moving. So when a few of our lads and lasses suggested we give it a go, I braced myself for trouble. But here’s the twist — it worked. And not only did it work, it’s changed our sessions for the better. At first, we agreed to leave it to the facilitator’s choice: some days three-touch, some days open play. To my surprise, three-touch bedded in nicely. No endless debates, no chaos. Instead, it became a real leveler. The “Maradonas” — the players who like to walk past half a team on their own — suddenly had to rethink their game. The focus shifted to passing, moving, and triangles , and that’s when the football started to sing. Even better, it’s given the newer and less confident players more chances to get on the ball. Nobody’s hogging it, nobody’s left out, and ever...
Read more

Birthday Boots: Too Flash for Walking Football?

Image
Birthday Boots: Too Flash for Walking Football? This year, I treated myself for my birthday. Not a pint, not a curry, not even a weekend away – but a pair of shiny blue Adidas Predator 3G boots . Now, anyone who knows me knows I’m usually more of a “black boots, no fuss” kind of bloke. But something about these Predators caught my eye. Bright, bold, and full of that football swagger. I thought, “Why not? You only turn this age once!” I’ve worn them to running football , and I’ve got to say – they feel incredible. Comfortable, supportive, and if I’m honest, I swear they’ve added a little extra spring to my game. Maybe it’s in my head, but I’ll take it! Here’s the thing though… I haven’t worn them to walking football yet . And I’ll tell you why. Part of me worries they might look a bit too flash. A bit “full kit”, if you know what I mean. Walking football is all about fun, inclusion, and not taking yourself too seriously – would turning up in a pair of bright blue Predators be… too much?...
Read more

How to Get Fit Safely for Walking Football

Image
  How to Get Fit Safely for Walking Football Alright! Lenny here 👋 — your friendly Walking Football Guru. Now, before we get carried away, let’s make one thing crystal clear: all activities are taken at your own risk . Always check with your doctor or physio before starting anything new — especially if you’re recovering from an injury or dealing with a health condition. Right, with that sensible bit out of the way, let’s talk about getting fit safely so you can enjoy walking football and avoid picking up niggles along the way. 🏃‍♂️ Start with the Basics – Walking Sounds obvious, doesn’t it? But good old-fashioned walking is your best friend here. Try 20–30 minutes a day. Vary your pace — stroll, then walk a bit faster, then slow down again. If you’re local, Lewes has some cracking walks with views to keep you motivated! This builds stamina without putting too much stress on the joints. 💪 Strength Matters Too Walking football isn’t just about endurance — you’l...
Read more