Women’s walking football popularity growing in north Shropshire town
In June, Anne Jones, Chair of Market Drayton Town Walking Football Club, organised taster sessions for women who may be interested in this pastime.
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“It wasn’t the best time of year with school and family holidays approaching fast. However, we persevered and thanks to the generosity of Pickles Restaurant and Sculpture Personal Training we were able to get equipment and hire a pitch. Unsurprisingly growth was slow over Summer, but we still managed to build numbers and hope to build a vibrant club over the coming months.”
The players have the services of an experienced coach, Kevin Cawdron and referee, Paul Taylor. Kevin commented: “We start each session with some skills practice. The players have a range of abilities, but the focus is on having an enjoyable time whilst keeping fit. Each session ends with those attending forming two teams to play a game.”
The club meets on a Thursday evening from 5pm to 6pm. Currently they meet in the Grove School Sports Hall, but in the spring/summer months their venue is Market Drayton Community Amateur Sports Club, Betton Road at the same time.
“They are a great bunch of women who create a welcoming atmosphere where people settle in almost immediately,” says Clare Matthews who has been playing since the early days. “Football has been seen as a men’s preserve for too long, and more mature women coming into the game enjoy the slower, non-contact version.”
One of the players, Kerry Nicholls has introduced several new recruits: “They all say how much they love it”. Recent member recruited by Kerry, Nicki Webster commented: “After the session I messaged the group thanking them and telling them I had an absolute blast. Very welcoming and so much fun – I commend it to anyone who feels tempted to join”.
Kevin recently put the club into a draw for tickets to see the Lionesses, successfully getting six tickets to watch them defeat South Africa 2-1 in Coventry. “Seeing the national team play was very inspiring”, commented Anne.
The first session is free so anyone can come to see what it’s like before committing themselves, and the only equipment needed is suitable clothing and trainers. Current costs are £5 pa membership fee and £3 per session. The club has players in their 40s and 50s, although the game is enjoyed throughout the country by women who are much older. Anyone interested can contact Anne by email mdtwwfc@gmail.om to find out more.
