The women’s walking football group recently celebrated its five-year anniversary, developing from only two female participants in 2018 to now over 50 women taking part every week.

Six of those players have also gone on to play for the England Women’s Walking Football Team.

Gail Petipher was one of those initial two participants, she said: ‘Walking football is constant fun, it gives me such a boost both physically and mentally. I’m a carer for both my mum and grandchildren, so this is my outlet. The camaraderie and friendships that I’ve made through the programme has been the best thing that’s happened to me.’

John Hadjikyriacos, who plays in the men’s walking football group, said: ‘I’ve been playing in the Chelsea Foundation walking football group for around five years and it’s completely changed my life. There are a couple who take part who have lost their partners and this programme has saved them because they were at a loss, but then they have us a family. We are like one big family.’

Mark Blythe, Adapted Sports Coordinator at Chelsea Foundation, said: ‘Many of the people playing in our walking football programme are retired so they come here, play football and make friends. It’s been amazing to see the programme grow and how it positively impacts everyone involved.’

For more information and to join Chelsea Foundation’s walking football programme, please contact [email protected]