What began as a casual kickabout among friends a decade ago has blossomed into a thriving local institution, with nine over-50s and seven over-60s walking football teams now active across Gloucestershire.
Walking football’s popularity has surged nationwide over the past five years, with the UK counting over 1,000 registered teams. In Cheltenham, this growth has been fuelled by passionate individuals like John Hunt and Roger Cottle, who have championed the sport for older adults in the region.
The movement traces back to Cheltenham Town legend Dave Lewis, the club’s record goalscorer, who originally organised the area’s walking football activities. Inspired by regular trips to play in Evesham, Worcester, and Bristol, Hunt and Cottle recognized the need for a dedicated local league.
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Leveraging his role as chairman of the Cheltenham Football League, Hunt harnessed local football connections to launch the Cheltenham Walking Football League on a trial basis last year. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with ten over-60s teams competing in a full summer season at Oxstalls Sports Park.
Hunt leads the Cheltenham Tigers Walking Football team, training twice weekly at the Tigers Football and Rugby Club. Notably, former Wolverhampton Wanderers and Cheltenham Town player Mark Buckland is a standout member, bringing a wealth of experience to the over-60s competition.
The league now includes nine teams in the over-50s division, such as Atletico Ross, WR United, Tuffley Rovers, Quedgeley, Swindon Town Development, Monsoon Allstars, Bishops Cleeve, Cheltenham Saracens, and Wotton. The over-60s division features Cheltenham Tigers, Abbeymead, Alcester, Wotton, Tuffley Rovers, Stroud, and Atletico Ross.
Cottle has been instrumental in organising teams like Cheltenham Saracens and supporting Tuffley Rovers, with an added focus on raising funds for prostate cancer charities. Plans are underway to launch a continuous league starting in September, ideally at a venue equipped with four pitches, further enhancing community engagement and fundraising efforts.
Tuffley Rovers alone has seen rapid growth, now boasting around 22 players since its recent formation, highlighting the sport’s increasing appeal.
The excitement culminates with the over-50s and over-60s cup finals scheduled for 16 August at Oxstalls Sports Park, showcasing the dedication and camaraderie of all involved.