Women over the age of 35 are being given more opportunities for a game of football – in a fun and friendly atmosphere!
New Whitehaven Just Play sessions join the regular ones already planned in Carlisle and Workington with a session in Brampton also being arranged.
They offer the chance for women to play some football around their busy lives.
Since January, 10 sessions have taken place across the county with more than 85 women taking part in one or more Just Play event.
More exciting developments are planned for the new season with some Over-35s tournaments in the pipeline.
The tournaments will give existing participants the opportunity to enter as a team or as an individual; with entries open to new players too to encourage more women to come along and play.
Helen Aitchison, women & girls football development officer for Cumberland FA, said: “The response we have had over the past 18 months has been amazing, with a number of regulars coming along to the sessions and new players joining us each time.
“The sessions are played in a friendly atmosphere and any women aged 35 and over are invited to come along, whatever their experience or their perceived ability.
“The sessions have been able to become sustainable thanks to our attendees with Carlisle, Workington and Whitehaven, now led by clubs, with Carlisle Walking Football Team, Allerdale Wildcats and Whitehaven AFC kindly getting involved to continue to provide more opportunities for women throughout the summer.”
Helen said the sessions were a perfect way to get some exercise, have some laughs and meet new people.
Women aged 35 and over are invited to come along and play – with any experience welcome.
She said: “The events are played in a friendly atmosphere as we aim to increase the number of playing opportunities for this age group.
“We have had some fantastic feedback from the Turn Up and Play sessions with many women returning and traveling across the county to get involved.
“At the moment the sessions are free to come along to.”
Upcoming sessions are:
- Sunday May 19 11am-12.30pm, Lakes College, Workington
- Sunday May 26 2pm-3.30pm, Whitehaven AFC, Whitehaven
- Sunday June 9, 2pm-3.30pm, Energy Coast UTC, Workington, CA14 2AL
- Sunday June 23, 3pm-4.30pm, Harraby 3G, Carlisle
- Sunday June 30, 2pm-3.30pm, Whitehaven AFC, Whitehaven
- Sunday July 7, 2pm-3.30pm, Brampton (venue to be confirmed) – registration to open soon
- Sunday July 14, 10am-11am, Energy Coast UTC, Workington, CA14 2AL
- Sunday July 21, 3pm-4.30pm, Harraby 3G, Carlisle
- Sunday July 28, 2pm-3.30pm, Whitehaven AFC, Whitehaven
