Latest News

The Nottingham Forest walking football programme, a slow-paced version of the beautiful game, is a great way for over 40s to get active, make friends and improve their physical and mental wellbeing, regardless of football ability.

Walking football gives participants the opportunity to play and train with like-minded individuals, play competitively in organised tournaments, or simply socialise and have fun while reconnecting with the game they love.

Trevor, one of our regulars, has been attending our sessions for number of years now and has always been connected to football through various capacities throughout his life. Walking Football, has provided him the opportunity to maintain his connection with the sport as he gets older.

Trevor’s life has been filled with football since his early days in school, as a keen goalkeeper. As years passed, his passion for the sport persisted, but the demands of life led him down different paths. Juggling a career that involved teaching in colleges, universities, local authorities, and workforce development, his once-cherished moments on the pitch were increasingly replaced by professional commitments, with a bit of football on the side with his colleagues.

Walking football, a modified form of the sport, demanded a new approach. With the guidance of our coach, Elvis, Trevor embarked on the journey to refine his skills, sharpen his coordination, stamina, and overall fitness.

The magic of the Walking Football programme wasn’t just in the physical improvement; it was in the camaraderie that surrounded the players, as Trevor describes, “I thought football was behind me until I saw information from Nottingham Forest Community Trust inviting people to come along to Walking Football sessions. I knew nothing of the game and looked at footage on YouTube and read up on the rules. It has helped me to get fitter, improve coordination and stamina. Skills were very rusty but with encouraging comments and support from Elvis, the coach,  I have improved, though still running now and again it seems. Playing alongside a great group of people every week, all helping each other and laughing together has been the greatest aspect in the sessions and matches.”

Trevor has realised that football, in any form, had the power to uplift, inspire, and bring people together. Through the Nottingham Forest Community Trust’s Walking Football Programme, he not only improved his physical health but also found a new family united by a common love of football.

If you would like to hear more about the Nottingham Forest walking football programme, please email elvis.ricci@nottinghamforest.co.uk