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Football has no age limits
It’s never too late to lace up your football boots.
Many more people are starting to discover the benefits of walking football, and local groups like Coningsby and Woodhall Walking Football Club are showing that staying active doesn’t have to stop with age.
Three times a week, the club brings local people together for fun and welcoming training sessions at The Allan Barker Football Field.
Walking football is a slower-paced version of the sport, designed to make it more accessible while still offering the thrill of the game that players know and love.
The club, that is currently one of our Community Champions until March 2027, was set up in January 2023 with 10 original members, and has since grown significantly.
As the number of players continued growing, in early 2025 a dedicated women's session was introduced on a Wednesday evening.
Jem Townell, current member and previous Chairman at Coningsby and Woodhall Walking Football Club, said: “With over fifty members our club has gone from strength to strength, providing regular activity in our local area healthy exercise in a fun and sociable environment.
"We are now also affiliated with the Football Association as well as the Walking Football Association, and we have taken part in some local tournaments and friendlies. This has been great experience for our players and highlights our club more too."
Players are aged between 30 to their mid-70s, and there are men’s, women’s and mixed teams. Training sessions take place throughout the week, and the club plays other teams from around the county, including Louth and Ruskington.
The first session for a new player is free of charge, while they find out if they’d like to continue taking part, and after that there is a £10 annual fee, and a £3 charge for every session.
For the player's, taking part isn’t just about getting regular exercise. It also builds confidence, tackles loneliness and improves decision making and communication skills.
Jem said: "Thanks to Community Champions, we’ll be able to continue providing opportunities for older people to improve their physical and mental wellbeing, while challenging stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding football and sport.
“Money raised for our club will go towards new equipment like footballs and bibs, branded clothes with our club logo and fees to use the pitch.”
Ready to dust off your boots or play for the first time? Contact the club here: Coningsby & Woodhall Walking Footballers | Coningsby | Facebook
This is just one of over 200 local groups we’re supporting through our Community Champions scheme. Remember to shop with your dividend card or donate spare change to give back to a group near you. Not a member? Sign up here: Apply Now - Become a Member - Lincolnshire Co-op
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