Walking Footballer Becomes England’s Number One Ranked Footgolfer

Walking Footballer Paul Haynes has become the England number one footgolfer in the over 65s age category. Paul became the Footgolf Association of England national tour winner, after winning seven tournaments across England in 2026, including retaining the English Open – winning for the third successive year.

The tour win means Paul finishes above Stephen Sandford of Pedham Place Footgolf Club Kent, in second place, and Chris Wood of Uttoxeter footgolf Club now in third in the national rankings.

Paul also finished eighth in the FGAOE national over 55s category and has been named in the England squad to play Scotland in 2027.

The award ceremony took place at The Holiday Inn, Crick, on Saturday 24th October 2026.

Walking Footballer Paul Haynes has become the England number one footgolfer in the over 65s age category. Paul became the Footgolf Association of England national tour winner, after winning seven tournaments across England in 2026, including retaining the English Open – winning for the third successive year. — Paul Haynes with his National Tour Win trophy presented at the Holiday Inn, Crick Credit: Paul Haynes

Paul who trains and coaches footgolf at Stockwood Park Golf Centre, Luton & Brampton Heath Golf Centre Northants said “I’m delighted to now be the England tour winner & number one. It’s a real honour to be named in the England squad.”

“Three years ago, I returned to play national footgolf and took inspiration from George Anderson who was the 2024 & 2025 champion. Our on-course battles were always really close and he’s a very hard act to follow. He’s not in great health at the moment, and I wish him and his family well.”

There has been a great rivalry between George and Paul over the years, as Paul is a long-standing Luton Town fan and George follows Watford.

In his walking football career, Paul Haynes has won several regional and national trophies with Luton Town Football club, Hartshill Strollers and Moulton Masters. Earlier in the year it was Paul’s penalty that won the Northants FA County Cup O65s, as Moulton Masters beat Brackley Town.

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What is Footgolf & Walking Football?

Footgolf is a hybrid sport that blends football and golf. The objective is to kick a soccer ball into a series of larger cups on a specially designed golf course, following similar rules to golf but using your foot instead of a club. The player who completes the course with the fewest kicks wins. It’s easy to pick up, but challenging to master, making it perfect for families, friends, and competitive players alike.

The Footgolf Association of England (FGAoE) is the official governing body for Footgolf in England, promoting the sport, organizing events, and developing players at all levels.

Over 60,000 people play footgolf weekly across more than 250 certified courses in the UK, governed by the FGAoE. The Federation of International Footgolf are preparing an application to get footgolf recognised as an Olympic sport. There are more than 300,000 competitive footgolfers world-wide and 64 countries took part in the 2026 World Cup in Mexico.

Walking football has more than 200,000 men & women playing each week at more than 1,500 clubs in the UK. In footgolf more than 60,000 people of all ages from kids to seniors play each week at more than 250 clubs in England. Some play for fun, health, fitness and companionship, others play competitively in leagues. Both sports are growing at pace not just in the UK but throughout the world. In walking football, it is estimated that more than a million people play worldwide in more than 80 countries. Both sports have national teams that compete at home & abroad.

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