June saw the conclusion of the Cheshire Walking Football League pilot phase.
Throughout April, May and June, nine clubs from across the Cheshire and Manchester region took part in the league project. The aim was to explore the potential of providing a competitive offer for Walking Football across the Cheshire region, and to identify the best league format for the future.
Walking Football is one of the fastest growing formats of football across the county and currently has very little to no competitive opportunity in the Cheshire region from an FA perspective.
In January 2023, we sought out to put together a committee to help shape a league that could provide a competitive offer for Walking Football. Following a consultation with interested clubs, it was determined to pilot an Over-60s and Over-50s divisions in a 7v7 format, with all club’s affiliating and conducting player registrations.
The league took up a central venue operation with all teams congregating on several match days for a 2-to-3-hour period playing 4-5 fixtures per match day. There was roughly a month between each match day.
Despite the very warm spring and early summer temperatures, fixtures were highly competitive, with a great skill level, and played in a respectable manner.
A big Cheshire FA thank you to the below clubs who took part in the Cheshire Walking Football League and congratulations to 1874 Northwich who reigned supreme in both divisions!
• 1874 Northwich
• Chester Northgate Walking Football Club
• Liscard Brazil
• Stockport County Community Trust
• Stockport Community Foundation
• Nantwich Walking Football
• Kingsmaid
• Altrincham FC
• Neston Nomads
In January, we set the trend by hosting a Walking Football Referee workshop ran by Nigel Freelove, which looked at equipping 25 club members with the skills and ability to apply the FA laws of the game for Walking Football. This helped the delivery of the league pilot as well as supporting local club delivery, and we will have a similar session held in the 23/24 season
A special thank you to Fran Perez, John Ellis and Keith whittle who have been instrumental in getting this league off the ground.
The pilot phase of the Walking Football League has emerged as a platform for providing a physical activity, inclusivity, and a competitive offer for Walking Football. Feedback has been gathered and following a review it is hoped that the 2023/2024 season will be bigger and better. For any clubs interested in next season please see the below link or get in touch on leagues@cheshirefa.com.
Cheshire Walking Football League 23/24 season – Expression of Interest
Visit https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/dc034d5970b4480f917bcd513f006288
Author: The Walking Football
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