England Walking Football – February Newsletter 2026

A New Year Together: Celebrating, Competing & Remembering

Welcome to the January 2026 edition of the England Walking Football newsletter. This month reflects everything that makes our community so special — from celebrating success and togetherness to taking time to remember and honour those we have lost.

We look back on our inaugural AGM & Awards Evening, international action against IWFF Wales Women, strong performances from squads across the age groups including our Men’s Over 70s, and tournament success for St George’s in Wales. 

We also pause to remember the sad passing of a dear friend within the walking football arena, whose contribution and presence will not be forgotten. As we move into a new year, we do so united — proud of our progress and mindful of the people who make England Walking Football what it is. 🙏⚽️

✈️ Calahonda Tour: Competition, Community and Compassion

A huge thank you to Team Spain for hosting us so brilliantly in Calahonda!

From highly competitive games to the shared commitment to continuing the development of women’s football, this trip had everything. We’re proud to be part of a growing community that pushes each other to be better both on and off the pitch.

Beyond the football, it was fantastic to strengthen existing friendships and create some great new ones too. Add in the beautiful weather, plenty of laughs, and some quality football — it really was a special few days.

On the pitch, England came out overall winners on this occasion. The Over 40s recorded two wins and one defeat, the Over 50s were outstanding with three wins from three, and the Over 60s battled hard to secure one win, one draw, and one loss, against strong opposition. 

While in Spain, members of the England Walking Football community also came together for a very special and moving moment. We stood united on a memorial walk in memory of Victoria Hart, who tragically lost her life in January to domestic violence. 💜 

The walk helped raise awareness and funds in support of Victoria’s children, and we remain committed to standing together against domestic abuse. If you or someone you know needs support in the UK, confidential help is available via the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. 

⚽Men’s Over 40s – Competitive Progress in Nottingham

Our second Men’s Over 40s international fixtures delivered exactly the kind of test we were looking for, with a brilliant afternoon of football in Nottingham against Midland Irish and Sealand.

Across the group, matches were tightly contested and highly competitive. England 40s White impressed with wins over Midland Irish (5–4) and Sealanders (1–0), while England 40s Blue produced a strong unbeaten run, including victories against Midland Irish (1–0) and England 40s Red (3–0). England 40s Red also battled hard, picking up a solid 2–1 win over Midland Irish in a closely fought group.

These competitive fixtures are exactly what we want and need at this stage of our development, and the progress across the squads continues to be very encouraging.

The occasion was made even more special as the Over 40s players were proudly presented with their honorary caps following their matches against Welsh Dragons at the end of last year — a well-deserved recognition of their commitment and performances. Well done to all involved! 🙌👏

🎙️ Check Out the Walkie Talkie Podcast 

We’re pleased to highlight the excellent Walkie Talkie UK podcast channel, hosted by our England Over 70s Manager, Simon Atherfold and his friend Dave Brookes. 

The channel is packed with great conversations, insights, and stories from across the walking football community. It’s well worth a listen for players, coaches, and supporters who want to stay connected with the game and hear from some of the people helping to drive it forward.

👉 Check it out and subscribe here:
https://www.youtube.com/@walkie-talkieuk

Let’s support Simon and continue growing our amazing walking football community both on and off the pitch.

⚽ EWF Men's 70s vs. HP SC England Parkinson's

Our fantastic Women’s Over 60s squad have been embracing the Fit Your Age Challenge throughout February — and what an inspiring effort it has been!

The challenge encourages players to clock up their age in miles each week through a variety of activities including walking football, walking, running, cycling, swimming, pickleball and more. It’s been brilliant to see the team fully committed, supporting one another and prioritising their fitness both on and off the pitch.Initiatives like this highlight just how important staying active is at every stage of life. 

The dedication, energy and positivity shown by our Over 60s women continues to set a powerful example across the walking football community.

Keep those miles coming — we’re proud of you all! 👏⚽️

⚽ Goalkeeper spotlight - Hitchell Heroics Earn the Draw

England Veterans (EVFC) Over 70s were held to a 1–1 draw by the Silver Foxes in Leicestershire, despite creating plenty of chances. England Walking Football Goalkeeper Ken Hitchell was in fine form between the posts, producing a number of confident saves — including an excellent late stop to ensure England earned a share of the spoils.

Well played, Ken and the squad! 👏

🛒 Kit Orders Online

You can order England Walking Football kit packages and separate additional items directly from our website. This now includes the option of a brand new personalised kit bag, the bags are a great size with a separate boot compartment in the bottom, perfect for tournament travel. 👉 Order Here

📋 Governance 

Just a reminder that 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

📍March Charity Internationals  

There will be no training in March due to our men and women's international tournaments in aid of Prostate Cancer UK and Coppa Feel. 

Our men's squads will take to the field at Boldmere on Saturday 7th March and our women will be out in force at Castle Vale on Sunday 8th March - celebrating International Women's Day with friends from Celtic Nations and Wales. 

📆 Tournament and Fixture Calendar - 2026

You will have seen on Spond that we're working hard behind the scenes to fill up the diary for 2026, ensuring there is plenty of football for everyone. There will be more to come as we're building relationships with other nations all of the time. Please remember to indicate your availability on Spond and be reminded that this doesn't guarantee selection. Please hold off booking travel and accommodation until you hear from your team manager. 

We appreciate there is a lot planned and that not everyone will be able to attend every event, we want to ensure there is a variety of opportunities at different costs and times of year so that there is something for everyone. 

EWF's priority will be the Masters World Cup in August - please ensure you keep this free as your managers will want to select their strongest squads. 

👏 Show your support 

📣 Let’s Grow Together – Follow & Share!

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

• 🌐 Website: https://www.englandwalkingfootball.co.uk
• 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570737868294
• 🧑‍💼 LinkedIn: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570737868294
• 🐦 X: https://x.com/englandwalking?s=21&t=eXYr7COnFBI91yKxAyOYLg
• ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EnglandWalkingFootball

📸 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