A walking football coach whose East Sussex team attracts more than 50 women has been hailed as a “lynchpin” in helping to grow the sport.
Vanessa Hood founded Brighton & Hove Socialball in 2022 for what she describes as a “lost generation” of women missed out on playing football.
While only a handful of players attended the first sessions, the twice weekly sessions in Portslade now attract more than 50 participants.
As a result, Ms Hood has received an award from the Walking Football Association (WFA) for her role in growing the sport, particularly among women over the age of 40.
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The national grassroots award recognises the efforts she has made to build the team – all on a voluntary basis.
In announcing the winners, the WFA described Ms Hood as a “lynchpin” in increasing the number of people taking part in the sport.
Ms Hood said she was “humbled” by the recognition.
She added: “This award is as much for the members of the club as it is for me.
“We like to play well and improve our game, but the most important thing is everyone has fun and enjoys the wonderful game of football.”
Source/pic credit: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cm2kxm3pvk4o
Author: The Walking Football
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