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.

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

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

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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