Walking football celebrates 10 years of success in Gainsborough
A walking football initiative in Gainsborough is celebrating its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of bringing people together through sport, friendship and a shared love of football.
What began with just a handful of players in 2016 has gone from strength to strength, with the initiative now attracting more than 30 people to its Monday evening sessions.
To mark the milestone, a special anniversary event was held at Roses Sports Ground in Gainsborough, bringing together teams from different areas for a day of friendly competition and celebration.
The initiative was established by a small group of football enthusiasts, who wanted to continue playing the game they loved as they got older.
Dave Carney, chairman of Gainsborough Trinity Football Club, has been involved since the early days.
He recalled how the group started with around six or seven players before gradually attracting more people.
Dave said: “A lot of us have played football all our lives and you can get to the stage where running and playing is very difficult, which is why walking football is so good as it allows people to stay active in the game.”
The club now has a strong community of players, with regular sessions on Monday and Wednesday evenings, alongside opportunities to take part in tournaments and competitions.
Walking football offers a slower-paced version of the traditional game, making it more accessible to people who may find running and more physically demanding forms of football difficult.
However, the benefits go far beyond keeping physically active, with the sessions also providing opportunities to make friends, socialise and support mental wellbeing.
Hannah Lane, community officer for Sport and Physical Activity, who was among the original group who set the initiative up, reflected on how far the initiative has come.
She explained that the original walking football group was established by local residents and has continued to develop over the past decade.
Speaking at the recent 10th anniversary event Hannah said: “It’s amazing today to see how much the sport has grown. From a small group of people wanting to keep playing the game they love, it has developed into something that brings people together through football and friendship.
“It’s about much more than what happens on the pitch - it’s the chance to stay active, make connections and feel part of a community that makes walking football so valuable.”
The anniversary celebration also supported an important cause, Andy’s Man Club, a men’s mental health charity, in memory of former player Kev Gibbon. A total of £778.30 was raised at the event.
The fundraising reflected the close friendships and strong sense of community that have developed through the initiative over the years.
Luke Craig, Football Development Officer with Lincolnshire Football Association, also highlighted the importance of walking football in helping people return to the sport, stay active and overcome social isolation.
He said: “Walking football is great because it appeals to all ages. It’s often associated with older adults and it’s great helping those in social isolation and those wanting to keep active or to get back into the game.”
The continued success of walking football in Gainsborough demonstrates how sport can play an important role in supporting healthier, more connected communities.