Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The Essex Walking Football League has become a cornerstone of senior sports in England since its formation in 2017. Starting with just two age categories - over 50s and over 60s - the league has quickly expanded to include over 65s and over 70s divisions, creating inclusive sporting opportunities for older adults throughout Essex.
Walking football provides seniors across Essex with a chance to enjoy the beautiful game at a pace that accommodates changing physical abilities while maintaining the competitive spirit and social benefits of team sports. The growing popularity of walking football in the region reflects both the desire for physical activity among older adults and the strong community connections formed through regular participation.
Essex boasts a developing walking football scene with numerous clubs offering regular sessions throughout the county. These accessible matches allow participants to experience the joy of football without the high-impact demands of the traditional game, making it possible for players to continue enjoying the sport they love well into their senior years.
History
The Essex Walking Football League has its roots in the growing interest for walking football across the county. In 2016, sufficient interest was identified to establish this landmark organization in the local game.
The foundation of walking football in Essex began earlier, with Chelmsford City Walking Football Club hosting their first FA-organized tournament on September 11, 2014, at Chelmsford Sports & Athletics Centre.
The league has developed to serve various age categories, including over-50s, over-60s, over-65s, and over-70s teams throughout Essex. This age-based structure allows for appropriate competition levels for participants.
Walking football itself emerged as a variant of traditional football, designed specifically for older players who wish to continue enjoying the sport with modified rules to reduce injury risk and accommodate physical limitations.
The Essex County FA, which oversees football activities in the region, has supported the development of walking football. The County FA's own history dates back to humble beginnings at a public house in Chelmsford, not far from their current offices.
Today, the Essex Walking Football League stands as an important part of the region's sporting landscape, promoting physical activity, social connection, and competitive spirit among older footballers throughout Essex.
Age Groups and Divisions
The Essex Walking Football League (EWFL) has expanded significantly since its formation in 2017. Initially, the league operated with just two age categories: over 50s and over 60s leagues.
As popularity grew, the EWFL developed a more comprehensive structure to accommodate different age groups and skill levels. Currently, the league includes multiple divisions across various age categories.
The main age groups in the Essex Walking Football League include:
- Over 50s
- Over 60s
- Over 65s
Within the Over 50s category, there are several divisions, including:
- Division 2
- Division 3
- Division 4
- Division 5
The league has also implemented regional distinctions, splitting the Over 50s and Over 65s competitions into North and South regions. This geographical division helps reduce travel time for teams and promotes more localized competition.
Each age group also participates in cup competitions. The Over 50s divisions compete in challenge cups specific to their division level, such as the 50s Div 2 Challenge Cup through to the 50s Div 5 Challenge Cup.
The league continues to adapt its structure to meet the growing demand for walking football across Essex. Tournament dates are scheduled throughout the year, with important competitions like the Inter League Cup and League Champions Cup taking place in June and July respectively.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The Essex Walking Football League (EWFL) is governed by a dedicated committee that oversees one of the largest walking football leagues in England. Derek Hornsey serves as the Chairman, responsible for chairing League Committees and representing the EWFL at Essex County FA Liaison Committees.
Richard Coleman holds the position of Secretary within the EWFL committee structure. Together with other committee members, they manage the governance aspects that are crucial to the league's successful operation.
The EWFL was founded by a group of active Essex walking football teams and maintains affiliation with the Essex County FA. This connection provides the league with official recognition and support within the county football structure.
For general inquiries, the Essex County FA office is open Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Contact with specific committee members can be arranged through the league's official channels.
Key Committee Roles:
- Chairman: Derek Hornsey
- Secretary: Richard Coleman
The committee ensures proper management and development of walking football across Essex, working to promote this increasingly popular variation of the traditional game that offers inclusive opportunities for players of all ages.
Teams
The Essex Walking Football League features a variety of teams across different age categories. Teams compete in over-50s, over-60s, over-65s, and over-70s divisions, making the league accessible to players of various ages.
Billericay Town 50s is one of the prominent teams in the league. They participate in the over-50s category and have established themselves as competitive contenders.
Chelmsford City Claret represents another strong presence in the Essex Walking Football League. The team contributes to the growing popularity of walking football in the Chelmsford area.
Concord Rangers has also joined the walking football movement, fielding a team in the Essex league. Their participation helps expand the reach of walking football across Essex.
Heybride Swifts adds to the competitive nature of the league. Along with Valley Green, they round out some of the known teams participating in regular fixtures.
The league continues to grow, with numerous clubs throughout Essex developing walking football sections. These teams provide opportunities for older players to enjoy football in a less physically demanding format.
Women's teams are also becoming an important part of the Essex walking football scene. The Essex Women's Walking Football League runs from March to July 2025, indicating the expansion of the sport across genders.
Players
The Essex Walking Football League draws players from various age categories, specifically those who are over 50, over 60, over 65, and over 70 years old. This age-based structure allows participants to compete against others in similar physical condition.
Players representing the EWFL at a representative level are selected from the best performers in clubs that participate in regular league and cup competitions. The over 65s representative team, in particular, showcases top talent from across the league.
Each club in the league contributes players to the competitive divisions. Teams like Chelmsford City Claret, Valley Green, Billericay Town 50s, and Heybride Swifts all feature players who demonstrate the skill and passion necessary for walking football.
The league offers opportunities for players of varying abilities. Many join for the social and health benefits, while others embrace the competitive aspect of the sport.
Walking football has specific rules that players must follow, with the most fundamental being that running is not permitted. This modification makes the sport accessible to older players who might otherwise be unable to participate in traditional football.
Essex has a developing walking football scene with an increasing number of players joining regularly scheduled sessions throughout the county.
