Neil Gibson and Natalie Kendrick-Doyle

“Walking football is exactly what is says: playing football, but you can only walk. There’s no contact, you can only tackle from in front of the opposition player (no sliding in), the ball can’t go above head height."

Natalie: “I started playing walking football about four years ago and have absolutely fallen in love with it! I’ve always loved football, played all my life, since I could walk really. From junior level I was playing for Bury FC, who at the time were the county team, pre-dating women even being considered as professionals or there being opportunity to play for a top-tier club.  A number of knee injuries and my age forced retirement in my 30s but I was still desperate to play.

“When the opportunity to try walking football came along I jumped at the chance. I was sceptical at first, thinking it might be too slow, however any preconceptions were quashed after the first session. I absolutely loved it! It gave me the chance to do what I love at a slower pace, non-contact and with like-minded people."

Neil: “I started walking football in September 2021. I’d played 11-a-side football until my mid-20s, then five-a-side until my early 30s, when I got a bad knee injury. I’ve not been particularly active since, but after lockdown I had the urge to get out and do something I enjoy. I’d often thought about walking football, so did a Google search and found a team a few miles from home. I was quite nervous going to the first session – new people, and I hadn’t kicked a ball properly for almost 20 years – but it was all great. Everyone was very welcoming, and it was really good exercise (10,000 steps). 

“Walking football has a number of benefits both to physical and mental health, and wellbeing. It offers opportunity to continue to be active beyond your younger and more physical years in a much more gentle way. It allows those with long-term injuries, or who are lacking in fitness, an avenue to continue in a sport they love. It also enables people to participate in a much more social way, supporting those with loneliness, anxiety, or with poor mental health.”  

The first USW Walking Football Tournament was held in December 2022 to coincide with the Men’s World Cup in Dubai. Eight teams of colleagues and students battled it out to be the inaugural winners of the competition. Both Neil and Natalie – who are qualified walking football referees – officiated during the event, which was won by the Student Services team.

Neil: “The Walking Football Tournament brought players from across USW together during a fun afternoon of competition. It was a new game for many to master, with different rules to normal football, and was played in a great spirit. It is hoped this will become an annual event, and will continue to highlight the teamwork and camaraderie that is evident across the University.”