Walking Football Club Through To FA People's Cup Semi Final

Local resident John Fowler, supported by Better Newquay Sport Centre set up a  Walking Football session to provide the opportunity for like minded people to  get back into the sport they once loved.

The session has proved a regular success and the Club who train weeky at the Sports Centre, are now through to the semi finls in the FA People's Cup! A fantastic achievement for all concerned and we would like to wish the Club every success in their upcoming game. 

Here, in his own words, John tells us why the club is so important for him:

"Judith and I moved to Newquay three years ago and settled in immediately. However I felt I needed more exericise than just walking the dogs. Knees and feet not up to the challenge of running sports anymore I was looking for something but not sure what.

Someone mentioned Walking Foootball and I was instantly hooked. However the numbers were low some weeks so I decided to start to recruit more players though word of mouth and using social media. The effect, to be honest, was very slow to start with but eventually the recruitment kicked into high gear. The game is designed for the over 50s and those with issues over general health and well being. That said we welcomed under 50s and the mix of the generations who play is such good fun. 

As a group we thought about next steps and it is then that I was contacted by the Cornish football association. They asked whether we wanted to join the FA and enter some competitions. Initially we thought no but then the idea took root and we entered the 2019 Peoples FA cup first round. 

This was strictly for the over 50s and we just about scrapped together the required eight squad members for a 5-a-side competition. 

We were then told we needed full kit which we didnt have. Off to the various online sports shops for end of line shirts etc. Tangerine shirts made us stand out!

The Peoples FA cup was to be held at Callywith College in Bodmin in late January on their outside 3G pitch. This is an absolutely superb facility and a wonderful playing surface.

The competition was 5-a-side of 15 minute duration with rolling subs.

We had no idea of what to expect but went into the games with an open mind.

First game we beat St Austell Saints 2-1, followed by a draw with St Agnes. the final group game was a victory over St Austell which we won 3-1.

 That put us into the final on goal difference.

This last game was to be against Lanivet Pandas. This was a hard game but we managed a narrow 1-0 win. Man of the match was our goalkeeper who brought off several great saves late in the game

Next stage is the semi finals in bristol at the end of March. It doesnt matter if we bow out at this stage as we have had a blast getting this far but you never know!

Since we have been running for a year or so now I have received testimonies from players as to how much they enjoy this sport. One person even said he thought all this sport stuff was behind him now but he is reinvigorated  and lives for walking footy. "

If you would like to join in with the weekly wakling football sessions at Newquay Sports Centre, please contact John Fowler - johnfowler100@googlemail.com