Walking Football

Welcome to the Bedford Walking Football Club FAQs - a short guide
to The Club to get you up and running - well - walking.
Bedford Walking Football Club’s focus is on allowing players of all
ages and abilities to keep playing the game they love.
By staying active and mentally engaged through football, we offer a place
where you can enjoy playing football, get a bit fitter, improve your mental
health and make friends on and off the pitch.
We play on Monday nights all year round starting at 7pm.
We’re fully insured and affiliated with the Bedfordshire F.A

Walking football is a slower-paced version of the traditional game designed
for people of all ages and abilities, particularly those who want to stay
active, enjoy football, and keep playing the game they love for longer.
Running is not allowed, and physical contact is minimised.

Walking Football is for everybody. We have no age limits and cater
for all abilities.

Walking football is designed to be a low-impact activity, making it suitable
for people with certain health conditions or mobility issues. However, we
recommend consulting your doctor before starting if you have
any concerns.

Key differences include:
• Running is not allowed - at least one foot must remain on the
ground at all times.
• Tackling is minimal with none allowed from behind or the side.
• Smaller pitches and teams between 6 to 8 aside normally.
• Matches are shorter - we play five, 14 minute matches a session.
• Emphasis is on skill, strategy, and enjoyment rather than
speed or aggression.

You can join by contacting us via email or through our website.
You’ll need to fill in a Registration & Medical form and return it to us before you play for insurance purposes.

No prior experience is necessary. Walking football is about having fun,
staying active, and meeting new people.

£5 a session to cover the costs of equipment, pitch hire, insurances,
affiliations and other expenses. We offer flexible payment options,
including pay-as-you-play tap payments on the night and Bank Transfers.

University of Bedford Astro Turf Pitch, Polhill Ave, Bedford MK41 9EA
All sessions run from 7pm until around 8.30pm.
We play 5 fourteen-minute matches, rotating teams so we all
play each other.

At The University, there’s paid parking on campus and on-road parking.

We play in various tournaments throughout the year when they arise. Some
are organised by other walking football clubs and some are put on by The
Bedfordshire F.A.
Generally, these cater for over 50s and over 60s teams and are a lot of fun.

All you need to start is comfortable clothing and suitable trainers or
preferably some AstroTurf boots. Trainers will be fine to start, but boots are
better and can be bought from Sports Direct from around £25.
We provide bibs and balls during training sessions.

Yes, walking football is played on smaller Astro Turf pitches, making the
game more manageable and enjoyable for players.

The game’s rules are designed to minimise risks, with no running, minimal
contact, and smaller pitches. We also encourage proper warm-ups and
cool-downs before and after sessions.

Our volunteers are trained in basic first aid and will assist you. We also
have a first aid kit and defibrillator available at all sessions.
Bedford Walking Football Club

We’re looking to organise a variety of events, including team get togethers,
fundraisers, and community outreach programs. Walking football is as
much about making friends as it is about playing the game!

If you’re interested in helping out, please get in touch with us.
Do you offer sessions for beginners
All our sessions are beginner-friendly to help new players learn the rules
and build confidence.

You can follow us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/296068907168540

The web site is:
www.bedfordwalking.football

We also send out a weekly email to members and keep in touch through
WhatsApp weekly.