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A cancer charity’s walking football group has inspired a legacy of support and connection far beyond its home pitch.

It has sparked the launch of a similar programme in Birmingham, showing the power of community-based, inclusive sport to make a difference.

Big C, based in Norfolk, runs the Tackle Cancer walking football group in Norwich, offering free, low-intensity activity and peer support for anyone affected by cancer.

Karen Vincent, chief executive of Big C, said: "It’s inspiring to see how Big C’s Tackle Cancer group has helped spark something so meaningful beyond Norfolk.
"Events like the Steve Moore Friendship Tournament show just how important it is for people affected by cancer and other illnesses to have opportunities to connect, be active and support one another."
The tournament focused on camaraderie and connection, not competition. — Pic credit: Big C’s Tackle Cancer walking football group

The group inspired Birmingham’s Cancer Kickers, launched by Kevin McMahon.

He said: “I wondered if there was something specifically set up for people like me, living with cancer, who like playing football but maybe with a little less intensity and more rests in between.

“I looked locally and there wasn’t anything and it made me wonder if I could set one up.”

Cancer Kickers now has 22 registered participants, each with their own cancer journey.

One of them, Steve Moore, described the sessions as a “place of light and sanctuary”.

Mr Moore died in July 2025 after being diagnosed with a form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

A tournament held in his memory brought together walking football teams from across the UK, including Big C’s Tackle Cancer team.

A cancer charity’s walking football group has inspired a legacy of support and connection far beyond its home pitch. It has sparked the launch of a similar programme in Birmingham, showing the power of community-based, inclusive sport to make a difference. Big C, based in Norfolk, runs the Tackle Cancer walking football group in Norwich, offering free, low-intensity activity and peer support for anyone affected by cancer. — Pic credit: Big C’s Tackle Cancer walking football group

Karen Vincent, chief executive of Big C, said: “It’s inspiring to see how Big C’s Tackle Cancer group has helped spark something so meaningful beyond Norfolk.

“Events like the Steve Moore Friendship Tournament show just how important it is for people affected by cancer and other illnesses to have opportunities to connect, be active and support one another.”

The tournament focused on camaraderie and connection, not competition.

Amy Goreham from Big C, who leads Tackle Cancer, said: “For us, it was never about the results.

“The sheer joy of a shared experience with friends and showing that it’s possible to play despite a diagnosis.”

Big C’s Tackle Cancer group is open to anyone aged 18 and over who has been affected by cancer.

Source: https://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/news/26287181.norfolk-big-cs-walking-football-inspires-cancer-kickers/

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