Women’s Walking Football
Our Women’s Walking Football here at the Palace for Life Foundation is a slow-paced version of the beautiful game and is designed to help people keep an active lifestyle despite their age, as well as getting those who used to play the sport back on the field!
What?
Women’s Walking Football
Who?
Our sessions are aimed at (but not limited to) over 30s.
Where?
Crystal Palace F.C. Academy, Copers Cope Road, BR3 1NZ
Every Thursday at 8.15-9.30pm
For more information or to book on email Roxanne: RoxanneBennett@palaceforlife.org
Hear from Pauline, who has recently joined our Walking Football sessions on Thursdays.
Pauline, aged 43, has always had a love for Palace. It was Ian Wright’s FA Cup final brace in 1990 that sparked her interest in the club. She has attended every match home and away in each season since then, and owns an extensive collection of kits.
However, it wasn’t until she started attending the Palace For Life walking football sessions that she was able to connect with the game on a more personal level.
“I was just looking on the Palace For Life Foundation website just to get into football and I saw [the sessions] and I thought I’ll just go along. I have always loved football but I never got the chance to play football at school.”
Every Thursday, Pauline participates in an over 30’s walking football session that encourages women of all playing abilities to get involved in the game. Along with 27 other people, Pauline takes part in an hour-long session where she trains and develops her footballing abilities via drills and small sides games
“We do a bit of a warm up…and then we do some drills. It could be passing or shooting or learning to play as a team. Towards the last 20 minutes we have a match.”
Pauline, who plays in goal or upfront, noted that the Thursday sessions have allowed her to improve her fitness and build her confidence:
“I love it. [The walking football sessions are] great, the ladies I play with are great and really welcoming. 10 of us are going to the Women’s Euro Final together. [During the sessions] I keep fit and develop my skills as a player. I feel a lot fitter than what I did a year ago. Walking football has help me build confidence.”