Walking Football for Women Over 50

Walking football's popularity, particularly with women over 50, has been steadily growing over the years. So, if you want a fun, social and supportive way to stay active - look no further.

At Luton Town WFC Ladies, we provide welcoming walking football sessions, designed for women of all fitness levels, experience and abilities. Whether you are completely new to football, or are returning after many years, our club offers a safe and enjoyable environment where everyone can participate. In addition, we also offer women's walking football for our 40s so what's the difference? On the face of it very little, the age brackets have no relevance during our regular training and play sessions where everyone is mixed. However they do serve as age defined categories for competitive women's walking football:

Walking football was originally created as a way to encourage older male adults to get back to exercising in an environment that most of them grew up with - playing football. As the sport grew and slowly gained momentum then women's walking football clubs began to emerge. The starting point for males was originally set at 50 years and over and 40 years and over for women.

Biologically speaking once we get to forty we do start to slow down a little and by 50 years it would be hard for most of us, not all, to continue playing running football with it's associated risks of contact injuries, falls and the onset of arthritis and other medical conditions. Competitively any woman over the age of 40 can compete in a 40 years women's walking football category, but a 40-49 year old would not be allowed to compete in the 50s category.

What If I'm Under 50?

All adult females whatever their age, are welcome at our women's walking football training and play sessions. The only stipulation is that because the game was created for older adults, our 'duty of care' requires that we ensure younger, stronger, fitter players are not putting these older members at risk. So you are more than welcome - but if you're still able to run, jump, tackle and have canons in your boots, you'd be better off sticking to standard football at least until you start slowing down.

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Fitness Benefits of Walking Football

Walking football is a fantastic way for women over 50 to improve overall health and wellbeing. This slower, non contact version of the beautiful game is ideal for those returning to team sport and provides a unique opportunity for those who were never given the opportunity, either through lack of ability, or confidence.

Just a Few of The Benefits:

• Great for cardiovascular fitness
• Improved mobility
• Enhanced balance
• Weight management when couped with a diet
• Promotes good bone strength
• Improved mental health and wellbeing

No running, just walking - so walking football is easier on older joints, while still providing an awesome and rewarding workout.

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The Social Side of Walking Football

One of the biggest benefits of women’s walking football is the sense of community. Interaction improves social isolation while decision making during play provides additional cognitive stimulation, it all helps prevent dementia. At Luton Town WFC Ladies, we also run 'off the field' activities to maintain this community and social interaction.

Many women join looking for:

• Companionship
• Connections through social discourse
• Improved self-esteem
• New challenges
• Group activities
• Improved health

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Beginner Friendly Sessions

The range of footballing experience and abilities at Luton Town WFC Ladies is varied, from retired competitive players giving their boots another run out, (sorry walk out), those still playing and, thanks to walking footballs slower pace, an opportunity for those that have never played any form of football before.

Our walking football club welcomes:

• Complete beginners
• Women returning to sport
• Women looking to improve their fitness
• Women looking for new team sport experiences
• Women looking for a new physical activity

Sessions are supportive, relaxed and focused on enjoyment.

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Mental Wellbeing and Confidence

Regular physical activity within a group can have a positive impact on mental health and emotional wellbeing. When exercising your body produces hormones which help lift your mood and can provide a sense of accomplishment.

Walking Football Can Help:

• Reduce stress
• Improve mood
• Build confidence
• Combat loneliness
• Encourage social engagement

The combination of exercise, teamwork and laughter creates a positive and uplifting environment.

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Why Join Luton Town WFC Ladies?

We are proud to offer one of the most welcoming women’s walking football communities in Luton, Bedfordshire which focuses on:

Luton Town WFC Ladies welcomes women over 50 from across Luton, Bedfordshire or surrounding areas, we would love to welcome you. So Contact Luton Town WFC Ladies today, to learn more about our womens walking football sessions and how to get involved.

*Data drawn from: Census 2021, ONS, Luton JSNA, OHID and Diabetes UK

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