Two walking football teams from Bolton scored a memorable double when they scooped silverware in the sport’s FA Cup finals. The Bolton Arena Walking Football teams showcased exceptional skill and teamwork throughout the tournament.
Both teams are based at the Bolton Arena Community Sports Village. The Over-40s women’s team – who heartbreakingly lost last year’s final on penalties to arch rivals Nottingham Forest – returned this year stronger than ever. They dominated the day during their six tournament matches to become the new FA Cup champions with a composed and clinical 2-0 victory over last year’s winners in the Bolton Arena Walking Football competition.
The O60s Arena men’s team gave a calculated and classy performance during the group games to lift the trophy, winning in a tense penalty shootout against Portsmouth.
The prestigious wins at St George’s Park – the English Football Association’s National Football Centre in Burton – reflect not only how the sport which eliminates speed and avoids contact has taken off, but the Arena’s special place in its development.
Bolton Arena Walking Football
Walking football started there 10 years ago, thanks to ex-Wanderers footballer Marcus Brown, who is head of football at the Arena. It kicked off when now 83-year-old John Forrest came along to the Bolton venue wanting to try walking football.
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“The first time, just John turned up and we did a bit of shooting, penalties and footwork outside,” recalls Marcus. “Then we had a coffee and a good chat. John turned up the second week so we did the same again, but on the third week a couple more players arrived and we went from there.”
Today, there are around 140 men, women and youngsters taking part in walking football at the Arena each week with the majority in their 40s, 50s, 60s and 70-plus.
Brown has also created the popular Lancashire League at the Arena which has received praise from all over the region and boasts 76 teams.
The Arena’s walking football has developed four referees. Brown himself is manager/coach and has created countless teams to compete in leagues. He is also a qualified international referee.
The winning teams this year had played county and regional rounds to get through to the finals.
Danni Toward, captain of the O40s women, said: “The squad showed grit, determination and togetherness every step of the way. We didn’t just win a trophy, we proved that belief and hard work can bring success.”
Brown added: “My proudest moment (in walking football) came at St George’s Park in 2025 where our two teams delivered outstanding performances to lift the FA Walking Football Cup – a double triumph that may never be repeated.”
Source: https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/25631769.walking-football-cup-double-bolton-arenas-two-teams/
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Author: The Walking Football
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