The 1st EWFC V REP Of Ireland Over 65 matches

On Wednesday 3rd April 2024 the first internationals of the New Over 65's teams took place between the EWFC and The Rep of Ireland at Coleshill, Birmingham.

The EWFC took an Over 65 and Over 70 team to play against the Rep of Ireland over 65's in a round of 7 games.

The EWFC over 70's played 3 games , drawing all 3 games , 1-1, 0-0 and 1-1, unfortunately England scored all 4 goals.

Two trialist Danny Rix and Dave Law both getting on the score sheet, in the Ireland net I must add.

In the 4 games for the EWFC 65's the results were better with a 1-0 , 2-0, 1-0 and 2-0.

Dennis Johnson cementing his name in the EWFC history books as the first over 65 to score for the EWFC over 65's.

It was a solid all round performance from all players with clean sheets for both Bob Parry and Ken Hitchell.

Manager on the day Tony Norton was very pleased his tactics , especially playing Dennis as the lone forward , "knowing that Dennis is very capable of not only scoring but keeping the opposition defence busy and holding the ball and waiting for the midfield to support him,  which they all did brilliantly , the ever reliable Graham Liddiard finding the net a couple of times and even the solid defender Tony Drinkell risking a nose bleed by pushing deep in one game and hammering home a rare goal".

Unfortunately the following day we were informed that the official photographer on the day messed up the squad pictures so we sadly do not have any squad pics or a video of the Dennis goal.

EWFC Over 65's , Tony Norton (Manager), Bob Parry, Ken Hitchell, Tony Drinkell, Kevin Mooney, Graham Liddiard, John Taylor, Mark Potts and Dennis Johnson

EWFC Over 70's , Simon Atherfold (Manager), Dave Poole, Peter Oppenheimer, Dave Law , George Hoy, Albert Swinson, Neville Custance, Terry O'Rourke and Danny Rix

Please Welcome our newest Men's 50 Squad players

We are very pleased to announce after recent trials our Men's Over 50's manager Dave Dickson has invited both Jason Brown and Phil Harvey to join his squad.

Both Jason who playes in Goal for Swindon Town WFC and Phil a Midfielder with Aylesford Ramblers WFC have both accepted the invite and already looking forward to joining the squad at the May training session

Please Welcome our newest Women's Squad players

The EWFC are excited to announce that  following recent trials our Women's Manager Eilish Wright has offered places in her squads to Sarah Clements, Sue Baines and Ally O'Donnell

Sarah is a Defender who plays for Hebden Bridge Saints and Scarlet Captains.

Ally is a Goalkeeper and Defender who plays for Blackburn Rovers WFC.

Sue is a forward who plays for Blackburn Rovers WFC .

All three have accepted the offer and will join the squads as a full players at the next training day in April.

Huge Congratulations to Jill Newbolt

Huge congratulations to our very own Jill Newbolt. A well deserved Award for all her dedication and hard work by being given the Youth Sports Trust Building Brighter Futures award at the Sport Gives back awards 2024 in London.

We are all so proud of you Jill.

The EWFC Women Start 2024 with a bang

 Tri Nations Report

A great day of walking football put on by all 9 teams, no incidents , no blue cards , plenty of goals , quality football on show , with friendships made and resumed.

EWFC women coming away with the Tri Nations trophy with 6 wins out of 6 .

EWFC 40's 4 - 1 ROIWFA - Nikki x 2 , Kelly, Wardy

EWFC 40's 2 - 1 CYMRU - Liz , Michelle

EWFC 50's 2 - 0 ROIWFA - Dawn, Jules

EWFC 50's 9 - 1 CYMRU - Tania x 3 , Jules x 2, Fiona, Dawn, Jakki, Mary

EWFC 55's 4 - 2 ROIWFA - Mac x 4

EWFC 55's 7 - 0 CYMRU - Mac x 3, Sandra , Wendy, Kelly , Gail

So Eilish gets off to a fantastic start in 2024 even with two teams playing at the same time on back to back pitches she was in control with the assistance of coach Nicki and her ever reliable captains.

It was a wonderful day for debuts with Anne-Marie Teale and Sue Puddephatt both showing why Eilish bought them into the squads as Goalkeepers , both only conceding 2 goals each. Outfield there were strong , faultless debuts for Liz Pitt, Kelly Holsworth and Michelle Williams , with all three getting debut goals .

Fantastic support on the day which was started with our two mascots MOLLY & HARRIET BUSHELL leading the teams out for the NATIONAL ANTHEMS in their full strips to match Grandma Tania who repaid them with a wonderful hatrick , nows there is something to tell their teachers and schools friends on monday.

The only sad note was the loss of Jay Adams early on with a bad injury, no one else involved just one of them horrible accidents resulting in Jay having a double fracture in her ankle, very sad news for Jay after only just back from a knee injury that kept her out of all games last year, we all wish Jay a full and speedy recovery and do not doubt we will see her back in EWFC colours very soon. 

Stats for the day

28 goals scored

5 goals conceded 

2 clean sheets

3 Hatricks

17 different goal scorers

The EWFC Donate £2000 to charity

Leading up to our end of year awards 2023 we started our charity push which included members purchasing shirts and culminating with our auction at the awards night.

Thank you to everyone for all your generosity, wonderful work by our Treasurer Alex Marsden and of course the auctioneer on the night Martin Haines. We managed to raise £2000 which we split between two charities.

The first charity was Macmillan Cancer Support and secondly Cancer Research UK

The first Women's fixture of 2024 is on 24th Feb

Vic Handley brings his boat to Redditch on 21st April

The EWFC will welcome our EX Over 60's Goalkeeper to the Valley stadium at our training session on Sunday 21st April 2024. We look forward to welcoming Vic along with his boat to tell us all about upcoming challenge when he participates in the Worlds Toughest Row. The challenge is a solo row 3000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean.

Please join us to hear his presentation on what lies ahead for Vic and his reasons for doing the challenge .

You can see more on his website www.vicsoloatlanticrow.com where you can show your support or make donations on the day.

The EWFC are very proud to call VIC one of ours and wish him all the success in the challenge ahead

Plans are under way for Redditch 2024, sponsorship packages available

EWFC wish everyone a very healthy and prosperous 2024

EWFC last squad addition of 2023

The EWFC are very pleased to announce that after recent trials our Over 70's Manager Simon Atherfold has invited Steve Moss to join his 70's squad. Steve is a midfielder who plays for both Cursor Ashton and Tameside Strollers , he will be a fantastic addition to the EWFC.

R.I.P. Stephen Wray

Very sad to hear the news that one of our old players Stephen Wray has passed away .

Stephen played for our over 70’s until the start of 2023 when he stepped down due to ill health. Stephen was a lovely man , a great player who won several caps with the EWFC , who will be missed dearly by his family and friends.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Stephen’s family at this very sad time.

R.I.P Stephen Wray from us all at the EWFC .

EWFC squad additions of 2023

The EWFC are very pleased to announce the addition of Stephen Falconer to the men's 60's squad , Anne-Marie Teale to the Women's 40's squad and Sue Puddephatt to the Women's 55's squad. Steve Hill and Eilish Wright are both excited to welcome their new players in 2024. They will be a fantastic addition to the EWFC.

EWFC Awards 2023

Saturday night was the culmination of another fantastic year at the EWFC.

During the day our men played friendlies against the Republic Of Ireland Walking Football Association, the women had a final training with an fancy dress inter squad afternoon of fun.

None of this year would have been possible without the continued support of David Faulkner and his fantastic team at Redditch United F.C., all our managers and their brilliant squads.

Last night was our awards night, a sit down 3 course meal , thank you so much Liz, plenty of liquids, great entertainment provided by the wonderful voice of Lisa Morrall, backed up by some great and maybe not so great backing singers.

We raised a fantastic £2000 for cancer charities with a shirt sale and auction.

Massive thank you to everyone who donated auction items, Peter Quantrill, Dennis Johnson, John Taylor, Kenneth Hitchell, Graham Liddiard and the wonderul people at Colchester Phoenix Walking Football Club.

Thank you everyone who bought the shirts and auction items. 

Congratulations to all award winners, very special people.

EWFC “in pursuit of excellence awards”

“Best representative of the EWFC 2023”

 Mark Potts

“The most goals in a single tournament 2023”

  Mac Barlow

“EWFC fundraiser of the year 2023”

  Tania Bushell

“Team of the year award 2023 -Women’s Welfare Team”

  Amanda Bell

  Wendy Benson

  Louise Webster

We would not have teams if we did not have dedicated Managers 

Thank you gift

Eilish Wright, Steve Hill, Dave Dickson, Simon Atherfold

“Manager of the year 2023”

 Eilish Wright

“EWFC supporters of the year “

Allan & Lesley Macleod

“EWFC Football Lifetime achievement award”

Kevin Mooney

“EWFC Outstanding contribution awards”

Carl Clinton

Albert Swinson

Neville Custance

Graham Liddiard

Bob Parry

Ray Windard

Mary Mannion

Carolyn Kelly

Amanda

“Players Player of the year award “

50+ Men – Carl Clinton

60+ Men – Graham Liddiard

70+ Men – Ray Richards

40+ Women – Nicki Taylor-Hopper

50+ Women – Jakki Knight

55+ Women – Mac Barlow

A few pics below but the full pics will be added to the Gallery soon

Thank you to Grassroots Football Uk & NWFA

The EWFC October training on Sunday was a busy , fun day for all.

We welcomed 20 trialists to the Valley Stadium.

Our women had a fun day with music and hoops to warm them up.

The day got off to a fantastic start after receiving new training/ match balls from https://www.facebook.com/Teamgrassroots as part of their support for Walking Football and funding powered by Utilita.

All the EWFC staff and players are very thankful to Grassroots Football Uk.

After using the balls during our training session we can highly recommend them.

A huge thank you to our partners at the NWFA for providing the EWFC with a new defibrillator.

Another great example of how partnerships are supporting the walking football in the UK.

Rob Wellby & Billy Morrison join the EWFC over 60's

The EWFC are very pleased to announce that after recent trials our Over 60's Manager Steve Hill has invited Rob Wellby & Billy Morrison to join his 60's squad. Rob is a goalkeeper who plays for Eastleigh WFC and Billy is a midfielder who plays for Coventry District , they will be a fantastic addition to the EWFC.

Blue Plaque and murals for Manchester Corinthian Ladies FC

Huge congratulations to our very own Lesley Wright,  Gail Redston and all the other Manchester Corinthian Ladies FC pioneers who today had a blue plaque and two murals unveiled at Fog Lane Park in Disdbury, their home for over 20 years.

The women's game would not be where it is now without teams and players like this.

We applaud you all and thank you !!!

Squad pics, caps and trophies

September training saw the EWFC welcome trialists who witnessed many of the existing squads having their squad pics taken behind the 2023 trophy haul.

The players were presented their Caps after representing England at the European Invitational at the AUL Complex in Dublin earlier this year.

Two players Tony Breslin and Peter Davenport both received their hat trick balls from the same event.

Get Checked

Getting checked for prostate cancer can change the outcome, if you don’t believe me then ask Alphonso Archer and Michael O'Byrne, both pictured here last weekend winning their over 60’s Walking Football leagues after going through treatment for prostate cancer. @Tackle Prostate Cancer @Prostate Cancer UK.

Time for change , Prostate cancer deserves a screening programme, prostatecanceruk.org

The 1st WFLA National Cup Finals

The Walking Football Leagues Alliance (WFLA) held their first Walking Football National Cup competition finals at Redditch Utd on the weekend of the 9th & 10th sept 2023.

The competition is for teams who are members of the FA affiliated leagues that are affiliated to the WFLA, currently there are 26 leagues across England involving over 400 teams.

It all got under way back in February 2023 with local rounds , moving onto Regional Rounds and ending up with 8 teams in each Grand Final at the Valley Stadium.

There were 6 categories , over 50, over 60, over 65, over 70, womens over 40 and womens over 50.

Over 400 players, coaches, managers plus families came together over the 2 days from as far south as Plymouth and as far north as Newcastle.

It was a perfect show of how organisations working together can put on a large walking football competition for both males and females who have helped grow the sport over the last 10 years into the largest growing team sport in the Country.

The WFLA partnered with the EWFC last year so it was an obvious decision to host not only these finals but the WFLA Champions Cup and Inter League cup earlier in the year in May at the home of the EWFC, Valley Stadium, Redditch.

Following the recent announcement that The WFLA and EWFC had now entered a new partnership with the NWFA this was the first chance to show of what is to come with the NWFA starting the partnership with a sponsorship of all the trophies in the National Cup finals.

The EWFC was very well represented over the weekend not only in the fact that the EWFC Chairman is the acting Chairman of the WFLA but many of the men and women were in attendance with their club sides who had earned a place in the finals.

It was a mixed bag of success for the players and their teams , some winners, some runners up, some teams just missing out on goal difference but all teams showing a great account of themselves against very strong opposition , some of the best teams from across the country.

Congratulations to all players and their teams, who all represented their clubs and the EWFC a perfect way.

The EWFC would like to introduce and welcome our new treasurer Alex Marsden

The EWFC are very pleased to introduce Alex Marsden as their new treasurer to the EWFC.

Alex takes the reins from Sept 1st and brings a wealth of experience in the role after years of being involved at youth clubs in her local area.

Lots of Managers, players etc at the EWFC will have already met Alex when she travelled with us to Nantes and Dublin earlier this year but we are sure everyone else will give Alex a warm welcome when they meet her soon at Redditch.

England Walking Football Community, NWFA and Walking Football Leagues Alliance start a new partnership

A new partnership to emphasise why like-minded organisations can and should work together to help the walking football community. 

The National Walking Football Alliance (NWFA) is run by the Charities Buying Group, a Community Interest Company that has been helping charities save money for the last 25 years.

As well as offering support and savings, the Charities Buying Group runs CBG4Health, a scheme to improve mental and physical well-being for older people by encouraging fitness, fun, and socialising. The alignment of ethos in walking football and CBG4health is why the Charities Buying Group, alongside Team Grass Roots, decided to form the NWFA to make the game accessible and affordable.

“We have supported Grassroots football for the last 10 years and are delighted to work with the Charities Buying Group in our NWFA venture to support walking football and to work with the FA in developing this much-needed game,” says Team Grassroots Managing Director, Paul Kirton.

With help from the Charities Buying Group, the NWFA has donated defibrillators, footballs, and funded projects. Funding that has made sessions available to people with autism or learning difficulties and anyone over the age of 70. Both projects have proven a great success in terms of confidence, friendships, and the number of active players increasing, with over 35 players participating in the over-70’s sessions.

“We have also partnered with SSE Energy Solutions to assist members with their energy procurement, so every time a charity utilises CBG through this partnership a percentage of the commission paid to us is donated to the NWFA,” explains Charites Buying Group CEO, Michael Hodgetts.

What can walking football clubs ask for help with?

The collaboration between the NWFA, England Walking Football Community(EWFC) and Walking Football Leagues Alliance(WFLA) is to help walking football thrive.

“We are delighted to have partnered with England Walking Football Community and the Walking Football Leagues Alliance,” says Charities Buying Group CEO, Michael Hodgetts.

“In our venture together, we will help older communities to stay active, whether this is through community kick about football, rehabilitation football for people recovering from heart attacks, strokes, or injury – up to competitive league and international games,” he explains.

As a result of the collaborative efforts, clubs can ask the NWFA to help with:

– Facilitating sessions

– Finding training equipment suppliers

– Finding opportunities for sponsorships

– Securing opportunities to play in leagues

– Searching for new players, clubs and opponents

– Options to design and purchase affordable kits

Meet the Chairman of the England Walking Football Community

“There are three types of people in football: people who are in it for the money; people who are in for their own gain (be it status or glory); and those passionate about the sport who want things right for everyone playing it,” explains Tony Norton, Chairman of the England Walking Football Community.

Initially starting out as a player, after being selected to compete for England in 2020 after regional and national trials, Tony realised that “all was great on the field but off it, there were lots of things going wrong.”

“I am quite a particular person and like things done right,” confesses Tony, a characteristic that pushed him to ask the former organisers of the England Walking Football Community if he could take over.

The transformation of the England Walking Football Community started with a newly formed council, business plan, bank account, club constitution, insurance, and finding a permanent base at Redditch United to host training and home games.

From player to Chairman, Tony’s determination to make walking football a fun and professional sport is why the NWFA is excited to work with the England Walking Football Community alongside the Walking Football Leagues Alliance.

“It’s all about making sure opportunities are there for all ages and abilities, for people to turn up at either a recreational kick-about or an England training session with a smile on their face,” explains Tony. “After meeting with the team at the NWFA it was clear we all share the same vision and goals.”



Who are the Walking Football Leagues Alliance?

The Walking Football Leagues Alliance was formed in 2019 by Bill Murney to help establish FA-affiliated leagues and support the growth of competitive, Grassroots walking football. With a membership that currently consists of 26 leagues, the WFLA encourages organisers of every local or national FA-affiliated walking football leagues to join.

Ran by a management committee of volunteers selected from member leagues, the WFLA is passionate about making every game safe and fair. This is why every local and national tournament hosted by the WFLA is sanctioned by local Football Associations that follow the rules and regulations of the FA.

“The formation of this partnership working under the FA laws of the game is fantastic,” enthuses Steve Hill of the NWFA, who uses the rules in coaching sessions.

The union between the NFWA, EWFC, and WFLA is to bring people together through walking football and help existing clubs facilitate sessions. Whether it be people who once played the game or newcomers stepping out onto the pitch for the first time – everyone is welcome to join the walking football community.

Victory for the EWFC 50's in Poland

In June 2023 our Over 50's were invited to a tournament in Lodz by Jaro Para, knowing Jaro and how much he loves and does for the game of walking football we had no hesitation in accepting even though they play Dutch Rules with no keepers.

So when we were asked again to attend another one in Charzykowy on Sept 1st we gratefully accepted again.

Two days in a lovely part of Poland, organised fantastically with lots to do off the pitch and plenty of game time over the two days. The hospitality, hotel, facilities and organisation was nothing but what you would expect from the meticulous Jaro.

This was Dave Dicksons 1st chance to pitch his team into a competitive arena as the new manager.

They started off with a loss followed by two wins putting themselves into the semi finals for day two. All games were tight and this was still a learning process for the team with no keepers , very small goals etc but they soon adapted even with 3 players Russ, Eddie and Brendan who had not travelled last time so this was their 1st time playing these rules, infact it was Brendans debut for the EWFC.

They made it to the final against the team that had beat them on day one, which was full of drama and ended with a 2-2 draw so into penalties. Who said England cannot win a penalty shoot out, they did and came home Victorious

Nations Cup Valencia April 2024

George Hoy joins the EWFC over 70's

The EWFC are very pleased to announce that after recent trials our Over 70's Manager Simon Atherfold has invited George Hoy to join his 70's squad. George is a defender who plays for both AFC Bournemouth and Christchurch , he will be a fantastic addition to the EWFC.

After several training/trials sessions with an injury in the middle we are pleased to announce that Steven Hill has offered John Taylor a place in the EWFC Over 60's squad. John has accepted and will join the squad as a full squad member at the September training session.

John joins the EWFC with a wealth of experience being a player at both Grangetown WFC and Newcastle Benfield .

Mixed emotions today, great to have Bill Whittle at todays training to receive his cap for his debut for the EWFC in the IOM on June 24th but sadly its probably his last game as his back injury has got the better of him and had to retire from International duty. We all wish Bill the best of health and hope to welcome him back one day . Great keeper and a real gentleman.

Women's Trials

Congratulations to all the women that joined us at Redditch United FC for today's session.

We started off with a high tempo warm up. Next into some ball mastery. Tight area rondo using a target player. Playing through the thirds with organised defending. Then onto matches to develop everything we had already worked on.

Each player that attended conducted themselves in the right way and were a credit to their clubs. Well done to all

On the eve of the World Cup Final I picked up my first England Cap. Thank you Eilis Wright, Tony Norton, Kate 'Kato' Bowskill. Made up with this