August Newsletter

England Walking Football – August Newsletter

A Warm Welcome from the England Walking Football Committee

We are delighted to bring you the August edition of our newsletter, packed with exciting updates from England Walking Football. Our mission remains steadfast: to be a beacon of excellence, setting the standard for inclusivity, professionalism, and community spirit in Walking Football.

August has been another action packed month. There was more silverware, our men's over 70s bought it home in Neath at the Maureen Evans International Cup, with the other men's age groups finishing runners up. Our women's section had a very productive training camp, preparing hard for upcoming fixtures and tournaments. They welcomed on board 5 new squad players. We're continuing to grow and develop, making new friends and connections. The future for England Walking Football is very bright. 

🛒 Kit Orders Now Online

You can order England Walking Football kit packages and separate additional items directly from our website.

👉 Order Here

⚽ Governance 

Last month, we shared with you our updated governance structure chart. The board continue to work hard behind the scenes delivering on our short term plan and working towards future ambitions. 

We have a new individual player sponsorship policy for players who wish to seek external support with costs.

All policies and procedures can be found in our EWF Men and EWF Women's sections of our website. 

We're always looking for volunteers with particular skills and expertise that can help us to progress. If you have any questions, or would like to know more, please email: keeley@englandwalkingfootball.co.uk

🏆 Champions Alert! – Victory for England's over 70s in Neath. 

Congratulations to our Men's 70's on their victory at the Maureen Evans International Cup in Neath. 

Manager Simon Atherfold and assistant Albert Swinson took a strong squad to South Wales on Sunday 24th August and were confident of success.

The opener against Wales was tight, with Stewart White’s goal earning a fair 1–1 draw. Against Ireland the team showed their trademark passing game, Ivor Hughes and Tony Naylor scoring in a convincing win.A second clash with Wales saw us hit the woodwork three times, while keeper Dave Poole pulled off a masterclass display including a penalty save. The final game with Ireland brought another dominant performance, Tony Drinkell’s goal enough for a 1–0 victory, with Danny Rix and Steve Moss outstanding.

A fine overall win for the old fellas as the squad builds towards next year’s internationals and the Masters Walking World Cup.

Our 65s, 60s and 50s only narrowly missed out, being crowned runners up to Ireland. Congratulations Ireland and thank you to our hosts. 

👉 Read the full report for all age groups here

💪 August Training Round-Up

Whilst our men were busy competing in Neath, our women's section took to the training ground for one our their best training camps yet. 

This month they focused on their attacking play and finishing, with thanks for Wendy and Mel for helping to deliver a fantastic coaching session for our 50's and 60s squads, whilst Mike put the 40's through their paces. 

110% effort was put in and 5 new squad players were welcomed on board, following their trial period - congratulations Nitti, Nikki, Tania, Jules and Louise! 

Caps were awarded to Jeanette, Mimi and Nicky following their memorable clean sweep at the Tri-Nations and Celtic Nations Cup last month. 

🎉 A big thank you to all players, coaches, and organisers for creating a memorable month of football and friendship.

📍 September Training 

Castle Vale, Birmingham

🗓 Sunday, September 14th (Men's 50s team) 

🕐 12:30 – 14:00

📍 Farnborough Rd, Birmingham, B35 7LQ

⚽ A top-quality 3G pitch, with changing rooms, free parking and a bar for an obligatory pint afterwards!

Ray Hall Lane, Birmingham

🗓 Sunday, September 14th (Men's 60s and 65s team) 

🕐 12:30 – 14:30

📍Birmingham County FA, Ray Hall Lane, Great Barr, B43 6JF

⚽ A top-quality 3G pitch, with changing rooms, free parking and a bar nearby for an obligatory pint afterwards!

📍 September Fixtures

The Inaugural Calcutta Trophy - EWF Women vs. Scottish Thistles

🗓 Saturday, September 20th🕐2pm-5pm 📍  Farnborough Rd, Birmingham, B35 7LQ

Please come and show your support for a first in women's walking football - our 40's, 50's and 60's will take on the Scottish Thistles in what's set to three quality games of football, competing for The Calcutta Trophy. 

🎉 Management Announcement - Congratulations Graham Liddiard and Mark Potts

We have news of two fantastic new appointments for England Walking Football.

Congratulations to Graham Liddiard and Mark Potts, the new manager and assistant manager of our men's over 65s team. 

Both Graham and Mark shared...
"We are excited and proud to be given this responsibility and whilst we will strive to win as a team, our principal focus will remain on player enjoyment and welfare."

Good luck both and thank you to Martin Haines and Billy Morrison who will remain in post as o60s managers whilst we continue to grow.

🏆 Award Winners - Congratulations! 

Congratulations to our women's Directors Jay Adams and Wendy Benson for their efforts in the development of the Birmingham County FA Women's Waking Football League. In August, they attended Wembley Stadium for the Charity Shield game to collect their award and what a memorable day they had!! Very well deserved. 

📍 Date for your diary

🗓  January, 17th 2026 - EWF AGM and Awards evening, including sit down meal and DJ

📍Great Barr Hotel, Birmingham

👉 Book your tickets here

🔔 Wedding Bells 

Congratulations to Sel (Sarah Lawson), 40s EWF player and wife Amy on tying the knot this month. We wish you every happiness, you both looked amazing!

✈️ Next international fixture - Cyprus 

All EWF women's and men's squads have now been announced for our upcoming trip to Paphos in November. Cyprus Walking Football are looking forward to hosting us. Pitches have been booked for a training session on arrival, international fixtures for each age group and a friendly mixed tournament, followed by presentations on the Sunday. 

📣 Let’s Grow Together – Follow & Share!

Please follow and share our pages to help our Walking Football community thrive

📸 Your content matters — whether it’s a photo, a match result, or a great moment, help us celebrate everyone fairly by sending in updates, especially during tournaments!

💷 Support Us for Free – Easy Fundraising

Support England Walking Football every time you shop online — at no cost to you!

How It Works:

  1. Sign up for free: Easy Fundraising - England Walking Football (EWF)
  2. Shop as usual through the platform
  3. Retailers donate a portion of your spend to us!

Your support helps fund more training, equipment, and opportunities.

Scan the QR code below or visit: https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/england-walking-football-ewf

Stay Connected & Get Involved

We value your voice. Got ideas, feedback, or want to get involved? Reach out via our website or on social media.

Thanks for being a valued member of the England Walking Football community.

Stay active. Stay connected. Keep walking with purpose!

⚽🚶‍♂️– The England Walking Football Committee