Walking football is one of the fastest growing sports in the country, and Cumbria is also seeing a steady increase in the number of participants.
It has really been operating for the last six years and after a slowish start is picking up numbers on a regular basis.
Sunday saw the monthly gathering of teams who participate in a Cumbrian League and on this occasion five of the six members took part. Westmorland, a team from the Kendal area, were unable to be involved on this occasion.
Carlisle United, the reigning League champions, came out on top by winning three and drawing one of their games in the round robin format. Penrith, Gretna and two Workington teams – the Blues and the Blacks – had their moments on the day.
David Wise is the man who pulls it all together and is involved with the Workington teams who are based at St Joseph’s School in Workington.
He says: “It was a bit show in getting going when we started six years ago but we were able to get some funding and things moved on from there.
“At Workington we meet at St. Joseph’s on a Monday and Friday from 5pm to 6pm and this week we had 27 playing. Ages range mainly through the 50s, 60s and 70s but we have one in his 80s and one or two in their 30s and 40s. We also have a couple of women.
“When we play our League matches it can get a bit competitive and some forget it’s walking football. Really it should be non contact but we have some who retain their aggression from their young playing days.
“The beauty of this is you come up against lads you played against in the local Sunday League years ago.
“I think, too, it has helped people have something to look forward to who maybe didn’t have much of a social life beforehand.”
Back playing again on Sunday for Workington was Derek Stephenson, at 80 the elder statesman of the League and a keen footballer and cricketer all his life.
Two weeks ago his team-mates organised a special game to celebrate Derek’s 80th birthday but unfortunately he wasn’t able to participate because of a back injury.
“We had planned a cricket match as well but because Derek wasn’t able to play we just went back to the Vets club after the walking football to enjoy a bit of food and a drink or two,” said David Wise.
Derek has played for a number of local teams over the years and his elder brother Bob played for Notts County in his younger days.
“When he came back to Cumberland he played cricket for Dovenby and that’s where I first started as a youngster. I’ve loved my football and cricket ever since and walking football has been terrific for us older ones,” says Derek.
Next big date for the teams involved in Cumbria is June 26 at Penrith when it’s the Cup competition of which Workington are the holders.
“I hope to be in shape for that one,” declares Workington’s keenest football octogenarian!
