At every Premier League home fixture, Fulham FC Foundation celebrates the remarkable journeys of our Community Champions — individuals whose dedication, resilience, and positive impact embody the spirit of the Fulham Family. Each Community Champion is also given the honour of presenting the match ball at a Premier League fixture at Craven Cottage.
At yesterday’s match against Crystal Palace, we were proud to recognise Nigel, one of our long-standing Walking Football participants Walking Football Journey. Recently diagnosed with bowel cancer, Nigel underwent successful surgery to remove a tumour, and we look forward to welcoming him back to our sessions very soon.
Below, Nigel shares his story in his own words.
Meet Nigel
“I am married with three sons, all of whom are Fulham supporters. I retired as a police officer after 36 years in the service. Since then, following a health scare and heart surgery, I’ve tried to keep active. I regularly attend spinning sessions and play walking cricket and walking football.
We also have a therapy dog, who I take into schools and care homes. In schools, the dog helps pupils relax between exams, and in care homes, many supporting residents with dementia, the joy it brings is incredible.”
Walking Football Journey
How it started
“In 2016, I joined Walton Walking Football Club, now Walton & Hersham Walking Football Club. Our Friday sessions included a Sporting Memories quiz followed by an hour of walking football.
“When Fulham FC Foundation took over these sessions, I carried on attending. The quiz is a brilliant way to test your knowledge with plenty of laughs, and then we get outside, rain or shine, for walking football. It’s always fun and never taken too seriously. It’s a great end to the week and a chance for a coffee, a chat, and sometimes a good moan!”
Why I got involved
“Having spent my working life in a team environment, it was important to find that camaraderie again. Walking Football gave me a chance to meet like-minded men and women, stay active, and support my mental and physical health.”
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Memorable moments
“I’ve been lucky enough to play twice at Craven Cottage in Walking Football competitions, scoring on the hallowed turf was a highlight. I also travelled midweek to Middlesbrough for a Fulham match where our Walking Football team played against the Middlesbrough Foundation. Fulham won, and we came home unbeaten!”
What I’ve learned
“Through Fulham FC Foundation sessions, I’ve made so many friendships with people from different backgrounds, people I would never have met without Walking Football. You become part of a large, welcoming community.”
Being named a Community Champion
“I’ve been attending matches at Fulham for 62 years. A couple of years ago, I was even photographed for the new kit launch. Being named a Community Champion is a huge honour and shows how much Fulham and the Foundation mean to the local community.
“I’d encourage anyone to get involved. If you can’t play Walking Football, try the Fulham Memories quiz. If you can play, don’t worry about ability. I’m not the best player, but that isn’t the point. It’s about being part of something and being around others.”
CONTINUE READING at source: https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2025/december/08/our-latest-community-champion-celebrating-nigels-inspiring-walking-football-journey/
GET MORE WALKING FOOTBALL NEWS HERE: https://walkingfootball.com/blog
Author: The Walking Football
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