Calder Valley Strollers Walking Football Club invited residents from across the borough to their first-ever walking football festival on Sunday 24th March at Todmorden Sports Centre.
The day was filled with fun, friendliness, and inclusivity with all players and attendees enjoying the games without the nerve-wracking feelings that competition brings.
Walking Football is simply a more relaxed version of the world-famous traditional game with no running or contact allowed.
50 players aged between 53 and 83, took part in the festival with a total of 6 teams coming from across the Pennines: Burnley, Pendle, West Vale (x2) and of course the Calder Valley Strollers (x2) to enjoy the steady-paced 5/6 a-side games.
The festival was made possible due to funding from the Todmorden Ward Forum and the Centre for Ageing Better and of course, the fantastic volunteers from Calder Valley Strollers Walking Football Club and staff at Todmorden Sports Centre.
At the end of a tremendous day, players came together and were awarded the ‘Friendliest Team’ and ‘Friendliest Player’, these were given to the Pendle Walking Football Club and Helen Anson from West Vale Walkers.
Ian Longstaff, Manager of Pendle Walking Football Club commented:
“I have to say a huge thank you to Mark and everyone involved in putting on such a friendly and enjoyable festival. At 59, I have rediscovered my footballing mojo.. who knew?!”
The Calder Valley Strollers Walking Football Club was formed in November 2023, with regular weekly sessions at Todmorden Sports Centre on Sundays from 1-2 pm and 2-3 pm.
The sessions are catered to those over the age of 50 and are an excellent way to keep fit and take care of your mental health and well-being.
Each session allows individuals to increase their social circle and reconnect with a sport once loved in their younger years.
Mark Wisbey from Calder Valley Strollers said, “Strollers are very much an inclusive club and its principles are around creating a fun, friendly, positive and relaxed atmosphere for everyone to enjoy walking football – it’s definitely not veteran’s 5 a-side – but you’ll get a surprisingly good workout!”
The recent success of their inaugural walking football festival and attendance of their Sunday afternoon sessions has allowed the Strollers to branch out and begin sessions on a Tuesday evening (6-7 pm) on the 3G pitch at Lightcliffe Academy.
The team had 6 new players come along to the festival, who are all keen to become regular attendees, taking their total numbers up to 31 since January!
If you’d like to get involved all you need to get started is a pair of suitable trainers, loose clothing (maybe represent your favourite team!) and a bottle of water.
The first session is free for all and after it’s then £5 per session.
For more information, you can contact Mark on 07848 099572 or e-mail cvstrollers@gmail.com or even better, you can just turn up and have some fun!
Keep your eyes peeled for more exciting events from the Calder Valley Strollers, with the promise of two more events planned for later in the year! Follow the Strollers on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/caldervalleystrollers
