WOMEN'S walking football is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK, writes Gillian Burgess.

In Devon we have a few clubs already established and the newest on the list are from the Newton Abbot area, offering recreational opportunities and also the chance to play competitively within a team called the Teign Bees.

The women meet on Wednesday evening at Alive Fitness on Exeter Road in Teignmouth from 7.45pm until 8.45pm for their winter sessions in the sports hall.

The sessions are open to women age 40 years and over, and we welcome all abilities. 

Recently the team have taken part in the first friendly and have other fixtures on the calendar. 

They have been very lucky to secure a sponsor, Inspired Coaching (Nicola Poole), who they met last Tuesday and joined for a circuit training session. 

The Bees were presented with brand-new training tops – a huge thank you from the team. Most of the women have never played before, so acquiring suitable kit and equipment is really important.

We have a race evening planned at the weekend to raise further funds for the club for footballs, bibs and cones.

Walking football is a brilliant format of the beautiful game. It is played on a smaller pitch, usually six-a-side, the ball remains below head-height and there is no tackling from behind. 

If you are looking to try something new this could be for you, or if you are looking to continue your love of the game and cannot meet the demands of normal 11-a-side play, this is a perfect substitute. 

There are also player pathways for those that are more competitive.

If you would like to give it a try please contact us through our Facebook page, Newton Abbot Women’s Walking Football, or contact Deb at [email protected].