Dawlish Women Walking Football
2
The Pitch
Problem statement
In January 2022 Age UK Devon began weekly training sessions for women aged 40 and over for walking football. This proved so successful that we have formed Teignbridge’s first ever Women’s Walking Football Team. It is made up of women from Teignmouth and Dawlish, ranging in age from mid 40s to early 70s (around 20 people currently). All of us are new to the sport. After the years of restrictions, it has given us the chance to exercise and meet new people in a safe friendly environment. We all acknowledge how fantastic this experience is for our physical and mental health; ‘a new lease of life’, ‘a real focus again’ and ‘Something to look forward to’
Solution
We aim to be an inclusive football group for women over 40 years of age.As important for us as the competitive aspect of the sport is the friendship, commitment, trust, and fun that walking football is giving us. We want this group to give women a safe , non judgemental environment to learn a new sport,or return back to physical excercise.
Why are we best placed to deliver?
Dawlish Women Walking Football is a newly formed group of women from varying backgrounds.One of our members with coaching experience is teaching the technical aspects of football.Other members have proved invaluable with their social media expertise for publicising our activities.We have a committee made up of driven and focused women determined to ensure the progress of the team is maintained. We have entered several tournaments, hosted a Welsh ladies touring team and featured in a local TV news item relating to the growth of the sport. In October we entered 2 teams into a Devon FA tournament and were runners up in the Plate final.
Focus Areas
Delivery plan
Budget breakdown
| Purchase of 12 footballs | £150 |
Beneficiaries
23 people
Expected impact
The award of this grant will enable us to adapt our training methods so all players will be able to train at the same time rather than sharing equipment.This will improve technical skill and team work.
Track record
"Thank you for the invite to the game yesterday. It was great fun to meet the teams playing and to chat to the ladies who are so enthusiastic and passionate about playing Walking Football. They are great ambassadors for the sport and you must be very pleased with how your team (s) are coming along. Well done to you! - It was also a pleasure to be able to help support the start and ongoing development of the Dawlish Womens Walking Football team with money from my Teignbridge Community Fund. You and the group have put the funds to good use with essential equipment and uniforms for the team members. I am very pleased to of been able to help and support you and the team." Councillor Lin Goodman-Bradbury Teignbridge District Council