WFA announce 2025 Grassroots Awards winners

The WFA is delighted to announce the winners of this year’s Grassroots Awards – more nominations than ever.

On behalf of the whole Walking Football Community – thank you to all the volunteers who make our sport possible, fun and inclusive. 15 years ago, our sport did not even exist – we are able to continue to play the game we love, all-be-it in a different format, at a slower and safer pace – or, for many, they are able to take it up as a new sport.

So many opportunities – live longer and better – Fun, Friendship & Fitness

WFA 2025 Grassroots Awards winners

Volunteer/Coach

Alan Crockram, Brentford

Runs 3 sessions each week – The Emperors, for over 50’s men, The Empresses, for over 40’s ladies and the Penguins, for Downs Syndrome girls & boys. He is a remarkable man, who generates so much enthusiasm to those around him and is genuinely respected & loved in his total approach in teaching Walking Football.

Volunteer/Coach

Jane Bartlett, Dawlish

She does incredible work to promote, encourage and enable women in the South West to play. Jane lives, breathes and eats walking football and is an advocate for the older players. The main planner/organiser of the annual Dawlish Ashbury tournament, Jane insists on an over 55s section, encouraging many players who would otherwise not take part.

Volunteer/Coach Impairment

Don Cleeve, Bracknell Foresters Neuro

Diagnosed with an aggressive form of Parkinson’s in 2023. He nonetheless threw his all into playing with Fighting Fit Football, Yateley and then Berks and Bucks (Bracknell) walking football teams. In 2024 Don was re-diagnosed as having Motor Neurone Disease (MND), an even “worse” neurological condition, with no treatments available to stop it’s progression. He never ever complains and makes us all laugh. Don is a truly remarkable man. His physical abilities are becoming increasingly lost each month. He still gives everything to the Bracknell Foresters group every week in his joining in, his handling of much of the practical needs of the group, and importantly – his impressions of the great football manager Brian Clough.

Last update on 2026-04-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. Walking Football Limited is also an Amazon Associate and earns a commission from qualifying purchases

Volunteer/Coach Impairment

Gemma Darvill, Parkinson’s Pioneers

Gemma has been a volunteer coach with the Parkinson’s Pioneers since it started over 2 years ago. She has a fantastic combination of care and support for every player as well as a competitive streak which is needed when the team enter competitions. She has recently become Manager of the newly formed England Parkinson’s Women’s Team who will benefit enormously from her passion to provide opportunities for Women living with Parkinson’s in this country and overseas.

Referee – Male

Jessie Birdsall

Jessie has become a familiar face on a Walking Football pitch in the last few years. He refereed at the WNC and always receives fantastic reviews

Referee – Female

Heather Kirkland

Heather has recently become a Regional Lead with a responsibility for developing female referees in the South – she has refereed and mentored in Brazil and her calm but assertive approach has gained her rave reviews

Referee International

Dave Coverdale

Dave is a well-known referee in Spain and really stepped up during the WNC getting fantastic reviews

Team of the Year – Male

Kingston 70s

Undefeated this year and have won the Surrey FA League and League Cup for the 3rd year running and the WFA National Cup for the 2nd year running.

Team of the Year – Female

Arun Women’s WFC

We managed to get funding from Just Play to get started, securing equipment like bibs and balls and funding a couple of us to train as WFA referees. Applied for AXA funding to buy shirts. Funding paid for Coach, First Aid and Safeguarding Training. Entered Sussex League and other tournaments. Keeping a balance between community, sociable, fun environment, whilst also meeting the needs of those wanting to be competitive and win, has been challenging. Now have 30 members – inclusion and fun are vital components

Last update on 2026-04-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. Walking Football Limited is also an Amazon Associate and earns a commission from qualifying purchases

Club of the Year

Birmingham Walking Football Club

If Carlsberg did walking football!!! The largest Walking Football Club in the World and probably the most diverse

Men 40’s, 50’s – National finalists, 60’s, 65’s (4 teams), 70’s, 75’s. – National Cup Winners

Women – 40’s, 50’s (2 teams) – National Cup Winners, Parkinson’s team, Mixed team

23 community sessions per week (including 5 Parkinson’s & moveability sessions)

Impairment Club of Year

Dorset Parky Striders

In just 12 months, they’re now a family of 20+ players. Inclusion, regardless of skill, experience or Parkinson’s progression. Community – through friendlies, tournaments and team nights out. Opportunities & achievements – numerous scalps in friendlies, 6th at 2025 St George’s Park tournament, two ladies at England trials, three players took part in the Ray Kennedy weekend

International Organisation of the Year

WF Brazil

Fantastic growth – inclusion is at the heart of what they do. Keen to develop competitiveness but not at the expense of inclusion. Developing the women’s game from zero as women not allowed to play previously. Including Universities and gradually spreading influence

International Country

Australia – The Foreveroos

The Foreveroos competed in all 6 categories at the WNC – their attitude towards the game is first class. They produced and wrote their own song and video. In such a big country to get such a diverse group is a great achievement

League/Event of the Year

South West Walking Football Leagues Over 60, 65, 70, Women Over 50, 40

All Leagues are growing in popularity and numbers. County tournaments are also run and the newly formed Ladies League has got off to a fantastic start. Congratulations to Danny Ward and his team

Last update on 2026-04-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. Walking Football Limited is also an Amazon Associate and earns a commission from qualifying purchases

Commended

Commended Volunteer/coach

Les Turner, Blackpool Seasiders

Has been with the club since inception in December 2013. He has been Chairman for the past 12 years. He has led the club through a few turbulent times His steady hand on the tiller has brought continuity and stability to our club

Commended Volunteer/coach

Steve Hyde, Blackpool Seasiders

He has contributed significantly to the development of our sport – the founder Secretary of Blackpool Senior Seasiders WFC. He still is secretary, He helped to set up at least 8 other teams in the area, He has played for our 50s/60s/65s/70s/75s teams. He has also played for the North West and Under his management, our Club has had over 2850 attendees in 2025 at our recreational sessions.

Commended Volunteer/coach Impairment

Mark Seal, Dorset Parky Striders

Giving his time for free, driving players to tournaments and trials, no matter where and his contributions, not only moneywise but especially in skills of training and leading the club to the achievements and accolades it has gained.

Commended Volunteer/coach

Sasha Agnew, Plymouth Argyle

Giving up countless hours of her time to her teammates, she attends the men’s sessions to help and train and earlier in the season offered to help with coaching sessions for Argyle over 50’s side as we wanted to learn some of the tactics that have made the ladies so successful locally.

Commended Volunteer/coach Female

Sarah Harper, Eastleigh

She established our ladies section which is now over 30 strong and has 2 teams competing in the Hampshire League. Sarah organises these teams with one designated as a ‘development squad’ to bring on ladies who have not previously played any type of football. She also runs a supplementary ‘skills’ session to help players new to the game.

She has been an active volunteer with our mobility group since its’ formation 18 months ago and helps run and referee the sessions.

Last update on 2026-04-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. Walking Football Limited is also an Amazon Associate and earns a commission from qualifying purchases

Commended Referee – Female

Jude Hesmondhalgh

Jude is a well-know and respected referee – she has also taken on the role of Regional Lead to support and develop female referees in the South

Commended Referee – Male

Nick Schofield

Nick has recently been added to the REFCOM group and is adding fantastic value. He also refereed at the WNC and his calm but assertive approach has got him fantastic reviews

Commended Team of the Year

Dawlish

After 3 years membership is now 50 – from 40-68, years of age. They have three teams in the Devon League, one in the Somerset League and run KicknCake sessions for older players, has players in the England Kicking Cancer team, and is an integral part of the recently formed WFA Hearing Impaired and Deaf team.

Commended League of the Year

Southern Counties WF Leagues

The Southern Counties Leagues continue to grow and the Ladies Leagues have experienced huge growth. These leagues are extremely well run and put player welfare and fun at the top of their agenda

Commended International Club of the Year

Walking Football 4 Health Victoria

WF4H Victoria-made an outstanding contribution to Walking Football by placing health, disability inclusion, and community wellbeing at the heart of everything it does. Inclusive Walking Football programs for all, to improve physical and mental wellbeing, addressing conditions such as Parkinson’s, cancer recovery, mental health, and mobility impairment, the club uses Walking Football as a health intervention. Congratulations Mick Trim and his team.

Commended -International Organisation of the Year

Age and Opportunity – Republic of Ireland

Walking Football has been offered for 3 years – growth has been immense. Working with the Men’s Sheds, League of Ireland Clubs and the FAI they have found an activity that older men, in particular, can participate in. The recent diversification into ‘Football as Medicine’ for people living with long term health conditions is proof of inclusion

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