New Beginnings: England Walking Football Kicks Off 2025 with Energy and Excitement

England Walking Football gathered for its first official meeting and training session of 2025 at Castle Vale Stadium - our temporary home until a permanent base can be secured. This moment marked the dawn of a new era, filled with enthusiasm, ambition, and a shared love for the game.

Brendan Maxwell, a respected figure within the community, addressed the players and was unanimously voted in as Chairperson for the next three years. The decision to introduce a fixed-term leadership role aims to keep ideas fresh and maintain momentum for continuous growth. Brendan took the opportunity to outline his ambitions for the next three years, emphasizing professionalism, development, and establishing England Walking Football as a beacon of excellence in the sport. He also introduced the rest of the committee, a team of passionate individuals dedicated to driving the organisation forward. 

There was an undeniable buzz in the air as players eagerly took in the new plans, and the excitement only grew when sample kits were presented for fitting. As England Walking Football prepares for the Nations Cup in Rome this March, the players will don brand-new home and away kits, reinforcing a renewed sense of identity and pride. 

The committee members were met with cheers and applause, reflecting the strong community spirit among players and staff. David Bendall and Leslie Wright were introduced as the new Discipline Officers for the men’s and women’s teams, respectively, ensuring fair play and respect remain at the heart of England Walking Football. Wendy Benson was welcomed as assistant Director of Football supporting Gail with the Women's teams. Meanwhile, Carl Clinton and Gail Redston were introduced as the Directors of Football for the men’s and women’s teams, bringing their expertise to the forefront of player development and team strategy. Additionally, Alex Marsden was introduced as Treasurer, responsible for managing the financial aspects of England Walking Football. Amanda Bell will be our new Welfare Officer. 

Gail Redston took a moment to thank everyone for their patience as the new committee worked to put essential structures in place. Carl Clinton expressed gratitude to primary sponsor Amber Windows for their invaluable support, as well as to the dedicated individuals who have been working behind the scenes to launch the new website and social media channels.

Once the meeting wrapped up, it was time for the players to hit the pitch and do what they love most - play football. Carl emphasized the importance of professionalism, ensuring all players adhered to the necessary standards, including wearing shin pads and training at a high level. The group was divided across four pitches, where warm-up sessions commenced, preparing everyone for an engaging and dynamic session. As the training kicked off, smiles, laughter, and camaraderie were evident, embodying the true spirit of England Walking Football. 

It was a special moment to witness so many players coming together from all over the country, united by their passion for the beautiful game. Strong friendships have formed, and the collective enthusiasm is palpable as the squad prepares for the Nations Cup. 

With the next training session set to take place once again at Castle Vale Stadium, the teams continue their preparations for the upcoming tournament in Italy. The future of England Walking Football is bright, and this new era is officially in motion. 

The journey has begun - here’s to new beginnings and a thriving future for England Walking Football!