Walking Football

Walking Football is where the whole walking sports movement began — a slower-paced, non-contact version of football that’s grown into one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK. It’s the reason every other sport in this directory exists, and it remains the most established and widely available walking sport in the country.

What is Walking Football?

Walking Football strips out running and physical contact from the game, keeping the passing, positioning, and tactics of football fully intact — just at a pace that works for players of any age or fitness level. It’s suitable for complete beginners and lifelong football fans alike.

The history of Walking Football

Unlike most walking sports, Walking Football has a clearly documented origin story. It was invented in 2011 by John Croot at Chesterfield Football Club in Derbyshire, created as a non-contact version of the game tailored specifically for older players who wanted to keep playing without the physical demands of the full-paced sport. The very first match was covered by Sky Sports, and from there the sport’s popularity grew rapidly. The Walking Football Association (WFA) was established in November 2016 as England’s national governing body, helping standardise the rules nationally. Walking Football has since become one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK, and is where the entire walking sports movement began.

Why try Walking Football?

Walking Football is where the whole walking sports movement began, and it remains the most established and widely available of all of them — meaning wherever you are in the UK, there’s a strong chance a session isn’t far away. It keeps everything that makes football football — the passing, the positioning, the buzz of a well-worked goal — without the running and physical contact that eventually pushes many players away from the full-paced game. For lapsed players, it’s a genuine route back into a sport they thought they’d left behind; for complete beginners, it’s one of the most approachable team sports around, precisely because the pace gives you time to think.

Want the full details?

Because Walking Football is where it all started, our sister site walkingfootball.com is entirely dedicated to it — with in-depth guides covering the official rules, the full health benefits, and everything you need to know before your first session. It’s the most comprehensive Walking Football resource we offer, so head there for the complete picture.

Find a session here on Walking Sports

Prefer to browse alongside our other walking sports? Search our directory of Walking Football clubs across the UK — updated regularly, free to browse, no signup required. Find Walking Football Near You

Browse Walking Football by Session Type

Looking for something specific? Browse our Walking Football directory by session type:

FAQ

Do I need to have played football before?

No. Walking Football sessions are specifically designed to welcome complete beginners alongside lifelong football fans and former players. Coaches typically spend the first part of any new player’s session talking through the basics of the walking rule and general positioning before any real game play starts, so you won’t be thrown in without guidance.

What age do I need to be?

Most sessions are open to any adult, regardless of age. Walking Football has grown particularly popular with players in their 40s, 50s, and beyond, but clubs generally welcome younger adults too, especially those managing an injury or returning to football after time away from the game.

Is Walking Football safe if I have joint or heart health concerns?

The no-running, no-contact format significantly reduces the physical strain associated with full-paced football, which is why many players specifically take it up to manage joint issues or as part of a supervised return to activity after a health event. That said, everyone’s situation is different, so it’s always worth checking with a doctor first if you have specific health concerns before starting any new activity.

Where can I find the full rules and getting started guide?

Because Walking Football is where it all started, our sister site walkingfootball.com is entirely dedicated to it, with in-depth guides covering the official rules, the full health benefits, and everything you need to know before your first session. It’s the most comprehensive Walking Football resource available, so head there for the complete picture.

How do I find a Walking Football session near me?

Search our directory of Walking Football sessions at walkingsports.com/walking-football/ to find clubs and sessions in your area, filterable by location, alongside all our other walking sports listings.

Explore other walking sports

Last updated: August 2026 — This guide draws on guidance from national governing bodies where available, established club practices from across our directory, and real feedback from the walking sports community. Walking Sports Hub has been connecting players for over 5 years, with 3,500+ sessions and clubs listed across 8 walking sports. Clubs and players are welcome to submit updates or corrections. Learn more about Walking Sports Hub

Walking Football

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