Footballers aged 70 and over will be able to participate in competitive Walking Football, thanks to a new provision in the county being delivered through a partnership between Oxfordshire FA, Oxfordshire Walking Football League and Age UK Oxfordshire. 

Following club feedback highlighting a requirement for competitive football for players aged 70 and above, Oxfordshire FA, Age UK Oxfordshire and the Oxfordshire Walking Football League worked to extend the pathway for Walking Football players, through the introduction of a new midweek competitive format. 

Thanks to funding provided by Age UK Oxfordshire, a new 70+ division will be added to the Oxfordshire Walking Football League as part of its structure, having successfully launched in 2021 to since offer a provision for 50+ and 60+ participants. 
 
The launch of the new 70+ division was hosted on 21 September at Whitelands Farm Sports Ground in Bicester with six clubs and 45 players involved. On 26 October 2023, a second 70+ pilot event will be hosted, with a view to commence the monthly league competition in spring 2024. 

Oxfordshire FA and Age UK Oxfordshire have partnered ahead of the new season getting underway, to develop Walking Football across the county and enable the County FA to signpost our participants to Age UK Oxfordshire’s support and services.

Michael Thurlow, Football Development Manager at Oxfordshire FA, said: “We’re very excited to see this new midweek 70+ provision launch, and extending the Walking Football pathway in Oxfordshire further. 

“We’d like to thank the committee of the Oxfordshire Walking Football League and Age UK Oxfordshire for helping to make this happen. 
 
“We look forward to seeing the league grow – and hopefully this encourages more people aged 70 and over to get involved with their local Walking Football session.” 

TO FIND YOUR NEAREST WALKING FOOTBALL SESSION, PLEASE CLICK HERE  

For any questions relating to Walking Football or to be signposted to Age UK Oxfordshire’s support and services, please contact Michael Thurlow at Oxfordshire FA via michael.thurlow@oxfordshirefa.com