Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The Kent FA Walking Football League has become a thriving community for football enthusiasts aged 50 and above across Kent. With separate divisions for over-50s and over-60s players, the league provides an inclusive platform for older adults to stay active while enjoying the beautiful game at a gentler pace. The league currently features numerous teams including Bay City Strollers, Canterbury Mariners, Margate, and Woodchurch in one division, alongside Anchorians, Aylesford Amblers, Bexley's multiple teams, and Maidstone United in another.
Running annually from March through October, the Kent FA Walking Football League combines competitive spirit with social connection. The format follows traditional football rules with key modifications to reduce physical impact—most notably, players must keep one foot on the ground at all times. Beyond regular league matches, the Kent FA hosts exciting cup competitions for both the 50+ and 60+ age categories, giving teams additional opportunities for silverware.
History
The Kent FA Walking Football League was established to provide opportunities for older adults to participate in a slower-paced version of football. Walking Football has gained significant popularity in Kent over recent years, particularly among those aged 50 and above.
In 2016, one of the earliest walking football teams in Kent was founded by Ebbsfleet United as part of their community outreach initiatives. This team specifically catered to players over 50 years old, demonstrating the early recognition of demand for this modified version of the sport.
The Kent FA has played a crucial role in developing the walking football scene across the county. They organize annual cup competitions in two age categories: 50+ and 60+, which have proven extremely popular among participants.
The success of these competitions led to the formal establishment of the Kent FA Walking Football League. A recent tournament saw 23 teams participating, indicating strong growth in the sport's popularity throughout Kent.
Woodnesborough has emerged as a notable force in Kent walking football, winning both the 50+ and 60+ Cup competitions. Their success highlights the competitive nature that has developed within the walking football community.
The league continues to grow with regular fixtures, results tracking, and statistical analysis for teams. This structured approach has helped solidify walking football as a legitimate sporting competition rather than just a recreational activity.
Age Groups and Divisions
The Kent FA Walking Football League is structured to accommodate players of different age categories. The league primarily operates with two main age groups: 50+ and 60+ years divisions.
For the 50+ category, the league is divided into East and West divisions to cover different geographical areas of Kent. Similarly, the 60+ age group also features East and West divisions.
As the league has grown, some divisions have been further split to accommodate more teams. The 50's East and West divisions now each have Split A and Split B sections, allowing for more manageable competition formats.
The 2024-25 season continues this divisional structure, building on the foundation established when the league was founded in 2022.
Each division typically features around 10 teams, with teams playing against each other multiple times throughout the season. This format ensures teams get regular competitive matches.
The Kent FA also organizes annual cup competitions specifically for both the 50+ and 60+ age categories, providing additional competitive opportunities beyond the regular league fixtures.
These age-specific divisions ensure that players compete against others of similar physical capabilities, maintaining the integrity and enjoyment of the walking football format.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The Kent FA Walking Football League is managed by a dedicated team working from the Kent FA offices. These offices operate Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm, providing administrative support for the league and its participants.
For general inquiries about the Kent FA Walking Football League, contacting staff via email is recommended as the first point of contact. Team members are responsive and knowledgeable about all aspects of walking football in the region.
Since 2014, Kent FA has shown significant commitment to recreational football, investing over £25,000 into developing sessions across the county. This investment includes support for the walking football initiative.
Key Contact Information:
- Location: Kent FA Offices
- Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm
- Contact Method: Email (preferred initial contact)
The league administration handles fixtures, results, and league table management for all participating teams. They also oversee referee assignments and other operational aspects of the competition.
Kent FA staff can provide information about finding local walking football clubs and sessions for those interested in joining. They maintain connections with the broader walking football community in the region.
Teams
The Kent FA Walking Football League features several teams across different age categories. Based on the search results, the league includes both 50+ and 60+ age divisions.
Teams in the league include:
50+ Teams:
- Ashford Internazionale
- Bexley Blues
- Chatham Town
- Maidstone United
- Aylesford Amblers
60+ Teams:
- Bay City Strollers
- Canterbury Mariners
- Ethelbert Wanderers
- Herne Bay
- Margate 60s
- Range Rovers
- Sheppey Warriors
- Whitstable
- Woodchurch
- Ramsgate
The league structure accommodates various teams from across Kent. According to the information, the 2022 season included 13 teams in the 50+ league and 13 teams in the 60+ league.
Matches within the league typically run from March through October, giving teams a structured competitive season spanning several months.
Each team represents different areas within Kent, creating local rivalries and fostering community engagement through the sport of walking football.
Players
The Kent FA Walking Football League showcases a diverse roster of players across various teams. Players like Les Adsett, Michael Baldey, David Beale, and Scott Blackgrove represent Bay City Strollers, as noted in recent match records.
Walking football attracts participants primarily in the 50+ and 60+ age categories, with specific competitions designed for these age groups. This adaptation of traditional football allows older players to continue enjoying the sport with modified rules.
Teams such as Ethelbert Wanderers, Sheppey Warriors, Herne Bay, and Range Rovers feature regularly in league fixtures. Each team maintains a squad of dedicated players who participate in matches throughout the season.
The league format provides an excellent opportunity for players to maintain fitness, enjoy social interaction, and compete in a structured environment. Many participants have previous football experience, while others take up the sport later in life.
Player safety is paramount in walking football, with rules designed to minimize injury risk while maximizing enjoyment. The non-running aspect creates a more inclusive environment for those with varying fitness levels.
Registration requirements ensure players meet age eligibility criteria for their respective competitions. Team rosters typically include a mix of regular players and occasional participants to maintain squad depth throughout the season.
