FROM Monday 23rd March to Friday 3rd April, Walking Football Week will shine a spotlight on the fast-growing format of the game, celebrating the physical, mental and social benefits it brings to players of all ages. With extensive promotion planned throughout the week, it’s a fantastic opportunity to introduce new participants to Walking Football and strengthen existing sessions.

The Essex County FA are inviting clubs and leagues to host a Walking Football Week local event, either on Walking Football Day – Saturday 28th March – or on any date during the week. Clubs can tailor their event to suit their community. Ideas include:

• open taster sessions
• ‘Bring a Friend’ events
• Walking Football festivals
• volunteer networking opportunities

Walking Football continues to go from strength to strength across Essex, thanks to the dedication and passion of local clubs and leagues. Any event which raises awareness of the game and encourages new people to get involved is welcome. Clubs who sign-up before Monday 9th March via the official sign-up form will receive:

• a Walking Football Week promotional pack
• inclusion in national marketing activity
• entry into a prize draw to win one of eight prizes (including £100 of kit and equipment vouchers, a professional photoshoot or a ‘Made for This Game’ Nike T-Shirt bundle)

Essex County FA Football Development Officer, Jake Fairman, is looking forward to celebrating the game, inspiring new players and demonstrating the positive impact football has at every stage of life. He explained: “Walking Football is continuing to grow in Essex through the great work of our club and league network.”

“Walking Football Week provides another fantastic opportunity to showcase local sessions and provide even more provision for communities to get involved with. By hosting a local event, clubs can highlight the inclusive and social nature of the game while reaching new audiences and celebrating the brilliant work already happening across the county.”

Let’s join together to make Walking Football Week 2026 a huge success across Essex! Clubs can sign-up to host an event before Monday 9th March by completing the official form accessible via www.essexfa.com. For further updates and information on Walking Football Week, visit the ‘TeamWalk Online’ community athttps://community.thefa.com/teamwalk-online.