Women’s Walking Football near Bournemouth
I knew women’s football had become mainstream over the last decade, but it was only when I began using Instagram that I discovered that women of all ages are starting to play football.
I’ve been following loads of women’s teams, so I now get suggestions for recreational and veteran teams across the South Coast, and more recently I discovered walking football.
We are in Christchurch, Dorset and it’s been amazing to discover all the opportunities for playing Women’s Walking Football in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area.
Where to play Women’s Walking Football
Please check out these details with the organisers before travelling in case this info changes (July 2023).
AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust Walking Football – mixed sessions on Weds 3.30pm up at the Vitality Stadium. A fun hour of walking football on a springy astroturf over the fence from the pro team training pitch! A roughly 60 / 40 men / women split, and all very friendly and encouraging to newbies as well as long-time players like me who are otherwise ‘well past it’ – my description!
https://thewfa.co.uk/directory/afc-bournemouth-community-sports-trust/
Bournemouth Walking Football Club Women’s Section – Friday nights 7.15pm – 8.30pm at the Littledown Leisure Centre, Castle Lane, Bournemouth
This super-enthusiastic group of women of all ages roughly 30-65 have been so welcoming, coaching from Ed & Alan & Hazel. Drills followed by coached games, there is also the opportunity to play in arranged matches. Often accompanied in summer months by live music from the Littledown bar terrace!
Contact: heatherwalkingfc@hotmail.com
https://thewfa.co.uk/directory/bournemouth-walking-football-club-women/
Lilliput FC Women’s Walking Football – Mondays 12.30 – 1.30pm at Whitecliff Rec, Poole – another fabulous ‘off-shoot’ group organised by Toko as part of Lilliput FC. Quickly becoming established in its own right, very informal but organised and well worth a visit not just for stunning views across Poole Harbour!
https://www.instagram.com/lilliputfc_womens_walking
Wimborne Town FC: Monday Morning Walking Football Session
Held every Monday morning in nearby Wimborne – contact the club for more info –
New Cuthbury, 16 Ainsley Road, Wimborne BH21 2FU – info@wimbornetownfc.co.uk
What is Walking Football?
I began 2023 with a New Year’s Resolution to ‘have more fun’. I’ve attended nearly all of the above sessions at least once in the last six weeks, and have definitely ticked that box!
And as someone who has played in teams since the age of 16 back in 1983, I thought I’d never play footy again.
It takes a bit of getting used to, as for me the joy of football was in the nipping about, leaping around, chasing, tackling and putting in a cross after a sprint down the wing.
Walking Football is a different experience. The ball cannot go above head height, so crossing is out, no heading, and as you can’t go beyond a fast walk, you have to play the ball to feet usually. Playing the ball into space can create difficulties for the player who has to stretch to reach a pass. Tackling rules are quite strict, in effect only from the front not side or behind.
The main challenge is not to run (some people cheat a bit!) and to remember it’s competitive but needs to allow for the age-range of the people playing. The ‘no-running’ rule is crucial because it is a great leveller. There’s very little ego here, but a lot of skill, laughter and encouragement.
Walking Football – and never played Football before?
The most impressive thing for me is watching how well women play who have just taken it up! You’ll find some great reading of the game, and technical skill levels from 50+ women who say ‘I’ve only ever played in the garden with kids / grandkids’. There’s help from the coaches and from those who understand the game a bit more, but it’s not patronising.
Needless to say all this fast ‘walking’ is challenging on my legs & feet (obviously crocked from the many hard years of playing football and lacrosse) and at present I’m having to have enforced ‘rests’, saving myself and looking forward to the next time I can join in. My creaking 56 year old body just isn’t doing what my brain says, but at walking football sessions this state of play is pretty much ‘par for the course’.
It really is never too late – join in the Women’s Walking Football Revolution!
Come along and give it a go – see links above for local Bournemouth contact details & venues. Photos are courtesy of the Bournemouth Walking Football Club Womens Facebook page 🙂
For rest of UK – see:
