The Football Association (FA) has called for urgent investment in dedicated walking football facilities across England, citing a significant shortfall in available pitches. With over 100,000 players aged 50 and above participating in the low-impact sport, the FA reveals that only 200 of England’s 5,000 football pitches currently meet the specific needs of walking football.
The demand for accessible, safe, and suitable pitches has surged in recent years, driven by the growing popularity of walking football among older adults seeking to maintain fitness and social connections. The FA’s plea comes as part of a broader campaign to promote health and well-being through football, with a particular focus on inclusivity and accessibility for all age groups. Local authorities and football clubs are being urged to prioritize the development of these specialized facilities to meet the needs of the aging population.
Football Association Calls for Immediate Investment in Walking Football Pitches
The Football Association (FA) has issued an urgent call for investment in dedicated walking football facilities across England. The governing body highlights a severe shortage of appropriate pitches tailored to the needs of older players and those with health conditions.
Currently, only 150 of England’s 40,000 football pitches are specifically designed for walking football. This stark figure was revealed in a recent FA report, which also noted a 30% increase in participation over the past year.
“Access to suitable facilities is crucial for the continued growth of walking football,” stated FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham. He emphasised the importance of creating inclusive environments that cater to all players.
The FA has identified key areas requiring immediate attention, including dedicated changing facilities and smaller pitch sizes. These modifications would ensure safer and more enjoyable playing conditions for participants aged 50 and over.
Local councils and football clubs have been urged to collaborate on developing new walking football pitches. The FA has pledged £1 million in funding to support these initiatives, with applications now open.
Walking football has gained significant popularity since its inception in 2011, with over 300,000 registered players nationwide. The sport offers a low-impact alternative to traditional football, promoting physical activity and social engagement among older adults.
The FA’s call for investment follows a successful pilot scheme in Liverpool, where three new walking football pitches were recently unveiled. The project has been praised for its positive impact on community health and well-being.
Experts have welcomed the FA’s proactive approach, highlighting the need for sustained investment in walking football infrastructure. Without adequate facilities, the sport’s growth may be hindered, they warn.
The FA’s urgent appeal comes as part of a broader strategy to promote grassroots football and healthy ageing. The organisation remains committed to removing barriers to participation and fostering inclusive sporting environments.
Walking Football Facilities Lag Behind Growing Demand
The Football Association (FA) has highlighted a growing disparity between the surging popularity of walking football and the limited availability of dedicated facilities. With over 60,000 registered players, the demand for appropriate pitches is outstripping supply.
A recent FA survey revealed that only 1,200 of the 24,000 affiliated football pitches in England are currently suitable for walking football. This shortfall is hindering the growth of the sport, which is primarily targeted at the over-50s and those returning to football after injury.
The FA’s Head of Facilities, Kevin James, stated, “We’re seeing incredible growth in walking football participation, but the infrastructure isn’t keeping pace. We need urgent investment to ensure everyone has access to safe, suitable facilities.”
Many clubs are adapting existing pitches, but this is not an ideal solution. Walking football requires specific markings and smaller pitch sizes, which are often absent from traditional facilities.
Local authorities and football clubs are being urged to prioritise the development of dedicated walking football pitches. The FA has pledged to support these efforts through funding and resource allocation.
Without immediate action, the FA warns that the potential of walking football to improve health and social cohesion within communities will be severely limited. The call to action comes as the FA aims to double walking football participation by 2024.
Football Association Highlights Urgent Need for Dedicated Walking Football Spaces
The Football Association (FA) has sounded the alarm over the critical shortage of dedicated walking football facilities across the country. With over 100,000 participants nationwide, the FA warns that the lack of appropriate spaces is stifling growth and accessibility.
According to recent data, only 15% of local authorities provide dedicated walking football pitches. This stark figure was revealed in a survey conducted by the FA, highlighting a significant gap in infrastructure. The FA’s Head of Walking Football, Sarah Keane, stated, “We’re seeing incredible demand, but the lack of suitable facilities is a major barrier.”
Walking football, designed for players over 50 or those recovering from injuries, has gained immense popularity. The low-impact nature of the game makes it ideal for older adults seeking to stay active. However, the FA reports that many players are forced to use regular pitches, which often lack the necessary safety modifications.
The FA is urging local councils and sports organisations to invest in dedicated walking football spaces. Keane emphasised, “We need more purpose-built facilities to accommodate the growing number of participants.” The call comes as part of a broader campaign to promote walking football and its health benefits.
In response to the FA’s plea, some councils have begun exploring funding options for new facilities. The FA hopes that increased investment will lead to more inclusive and accessible sports opportunities for all.
Walking Football's Rapid Growth Outpaces Infrastructure Development
The Football Association (FA) has issued an urgent call for investment in dedicated walking football facilities, citing rapid growth in participation outpacing infrastructure development. Walking football, designed for older players or those returning from injury, has seen a 40% increase in registered players over the past two years.
The FA’s Director of Facilities, Sarah Keating, stated, “We’re seeing unprecedented demand for walking football, but the lack of suitable pitches is becoming a significant barrier to growth.” Many participants currently use standard football pitches, which often lack the necessary safety modifications for the slower-paced game.
A recent survey by the FA revealed that only 15% of affiliated clubs possess dedicated walking football facilities. This shortage has led to increased competition for available spaces, with some sessions being oversubscribed by as much as 300%.
The FA has called on local authorities and private investors to collaborate in developing more walking football-specific pitches. Keating emphasised, “Investment in this area is not just about meeting current demand; it’s about future-proofing the game for the next generation of players.”
Meanwhile, some innovative clubs have begun adapting existing facilities, such as installing smaller goals and non-slip surfaces. However, experts argue that these temporary solutions are not a substitute for purpose-built pitches.
The FA plans to publish a comprehensive facilities strategy later this year, outlining specific recommendations for infrastructure development. Until then, the organisation continues to urge immediate action to address the growing crisis in walking football facilities.
Football Association Pushes for Walking Football Pitches to Support Aging Players
The Football Association (FA) has called for urgent investment in dedicated walking football facilities to support the growing number of older players. The FA’s call comes as participation in walking football continues to rise, with over 50,000 players registered across the country.
A lack of dedicated facilities is currently hindering growth in the sport. Many walking football games are played on regular pitches, often at inconvenient times. The FA has identified this as a significant barrier to further expansion.
Walking football, a slower-paced version of the game designed for older players, has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. The sport offers health benefits and social interaction for aging football enthusiasts. However, the lack of dedicated pitches is limiting its potential.
The FA has urged local authorities and football clubs to invest in walking football-specific facilities. “We need to see more dedicated walking football pitches across the country,” said an FA spokesperson. “This will ensure the sport can continue to grow and provide benefits to even more people.”
The FA’s call has been backed by walking football clubs and players nationwide. Many have highlighted the positive impact the sport has had on their lives. Dedicated facilities would make it easier for more people to participate, they argue.
Without investment in dedicated facilities, the growth of walking football may stall. The FA has warned that the lack of pitches could deter new players from joining. This would be a missed opportunity, given the clear benefits of the sport.
The FA has pledged to work with partners to promote walking football and secure investment. The organisation is confident that, with the right facilities, walking football can continue to thrive. The call for investment comes as part of a broader push to make football more accessible to all.
The Football Association’s call for investment in walking football pitches comes as the sport continues to grow in popularity among older adults. With over 50,000 players currently involved, the demand for dedicated facilities is becoming increasingly apparent. The FA hopes that by encouraging local councils and community groups to invest in these pitches, they can help promote healthier lifestyles and foster social connections among older generations.
As the sport gains momentum, the FA is also exploring ways to integrate walking football into existing grassroots football structures. This could include providing coaching resources and organising more regional and national tournaments. The ultimate goal is to make walking football as accessible and widely supported as traditional football.
