Congratulations to Burntwood Walking Football team after they are crowned national champions

The Burntwood Strollers competed in the 2023 Over 65 Walking Football National Cup Finals on Sunday, 17 September, following a series of matches which culminated in victory over Winstanley at the David Ross Sports Centre in Nottingham.

The team was among 73 involved in the National Cup event and one of just eight regional winners to reach the final. After playing teams from across the country the ‘Strollers’ are delighted with their win.

Walking Football is an inclusive and recreational activity for people of all ages and abilities. The rules are the same as regular football except that it is played at a walking pace and can help bring older players, and people with mobility injuries, back to a sport they once enjoyed.

The Burntwood Strollers evolved from walking football sessions on Tuesdays and Fridays at Burntwood Leisure Centre.

Tasmin Turner, Health and Wellbeing Manager at Lichfield District Council, said:

“The Burntwood Strollers success in the national finals is an outstanding achievement and I’m very pleased for the team.

“We are so proud of the players and their coach, Kieran, who puts a lot into the delivery of the sessions.

“Delivered by Active Lichfield, which promotes activities across Lichfield District,  in partnership with Midlands Soccer Academy, the Active Lichfield Walking Football sessions have been running for the past decade.

“Initially they attracted only four of five participants, but then really took off and as many as 30 people now come along to each of the two sessions we deliver each week.”

For more information about Walking Football please visit the Active lIchfield website.