A Thundersley walking football club has proved a major success after a rapid expansion since it was founded last year.

Deanes United Walking Football Club, based at Deanes Sports Centre in Thundersley, has expanded from just five members in January 2025 to 54 by June, after being built from the “ground up” by football coach of more than 25 years Mickie Gray.

Mickie, chairman of the club, was approached by Deanes Sports Centre to build the club up with grant funding, with the team playing a friendly this Saturday as they seek to establish a foothold and join a formal league.

Mickie said: “I’ve been coaching for 25 years and since we started last January it’s grown from five players to more than 50.

“The popularity of the sport is spreading so rapidly, but to establish ourselves as quickly as we have is amazing and we are looking to have our first league games soon.

“It’s a huge milestone we’ve reached and I’m incredibly proud, but it’s been a team effort and we couldn’t have done it without the support of our sponsors like Penns in Benfleet who sorted our kits.”

Deanes United Walking Football Club, based at Deanes Sports Centre in Thundersley, has expanded from just five members in January 2025 to 54 by June, after being built from the "ground up" by football coach of more than 25 years Mickie Gray.
Mickie, chairman of the club, was approached by Deanes Sports Centre to build the club up with grant funding, with the team playing a friendly this Saturday as they seek to establish a foothold and join a formal league.

Mickey said walking football is often pigeonholed as less intense than association football, but said it is perfect for people who wish to keep active and socialise in a fun and supportive environment.

The sport is distinct from traditional football, featuring seven-aside matches and no running – “although we do run a bit”, Mickie said.

Mickie said: “People get the wrong idea, they think we are marching around a pitch like Benny Hill, but people who see the pace of the game realise how intense it can be.

“When people give it a go, they quickly find it’s addictive for people of any age, it’s a lot more past paced than people expect and it pushes people.

“The benefits to people’s health is huge, we have a player in his 70s who’s been with us for a while and he puts everyone to shame.

“There’s a strong community among the lads.

“People find the Friday practices a bit of a sticking point but it gets you out on an evening for a good game of football and you wake on Saturday feeling amazing.”

Anyone interesting in joining can contact: DeanesWFC@gmail.com

Source: https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/26231603.thundersley-walking-football-club-proved-major-success/