Walking Football is the fastest growing sport in the country. From mid-life crisis to coffin dodging! Writes Dagenham Dave, manager of Devon County 0ver-50s football.

With its strict rules on speed and contact, Walking Football has given an opportunity to more mature ladies and gentlemen to play the beautiful game safely again and nowhere is this sport better represented than East Devon.

With sessions being run in Ottery St Mary, Honiton, Sidmouth, Axminster and Exmouth, the sport has taken off, offering fun, fitness and friendship to all that participate.

Although the minimum age for men is 50 (40 for ladies) there is also a specialist session for older players at the ‘Coffin Dodgers’ session at Honiton, which provides over 70s and players with mobility issues with a safe playing session to relive their dreams of past glories.

Usefully, Coffin Dodgers are sponsored by Osteo and Physio who have branches throughout East Devon, providing treatment for those who overdo it!

Local experts in mental health, YPS Psychology, support men’s and women’s mental health with community sport and wellbeing tools reporting that: “Men and women over 50 often face life transitions — retirement, reduced work, health changes — which can affect mental wellbeing and motivation. Maintaining social connections, staying active, and having a sense of purpose are crucial.”

That’s where walking football comes in. Walking football is a low-impact, team-based sport that keeps the thrill of football alive without the high intensity.

Research shows that participants experience:

Stronger social bonds – building friendships and avoiding isolation.
Enhanced mood and wellbeing – feelings of enjoyment and achievement during play.
Routine and purpose – weekly sessions help structure the week and provide shared goals.
Even small amounts of activity, combined with social interaction, have been linked to reduced stress and improved emotional wellbeing in older adults.

Walking Football is life changing. If you are not sure, come along and watch a session. If you want to have a trial go, the first session is free!

If you are interested in playing in any of the sessions mentioned, contact Dagenham Dave on 07564374489 (message, please) He can also be contacted if you are interested in setting up a club in your locality, and need help.

Source: https://eastdevonnews.co.uk/2026/10/07/walking-football-has-taken-off-in-east-devon-where-you-can-play-sport-exmouth-axminster-sidmouth-ottery/

CLICK HERE FOR MORE WALKING FOOTBALL IN DEVON