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I started playing walking football in 2020 having not played football since I was 16. I asked a few neighbours and friends if they wanted to meet up on a Thursday and have a go at walking football for fun, and to get some steps in. That is how The Hot Steppers started.
I am absolutely loving playing football again and seeing others who have never played before enjoy it too. It’s made me realise it’s never too late to do what you love.
I started playing walking football in 2021, when my friend Jo set up a local session. I wanted to do something different and fun. I had never really kicked a ball before. It’s great to be involved with the Hot Steppers and I have met some great new friends, as well as getting the steps in on a weekly basis!
If you are considering walking football, go for it! I started with no experience of playing football and zero fitness!
When my friend Jo said she was starting a walking football team, and asked if I wanted to be a part of it, I had no idea how much I was going to love it. I’ve always enjoyed team sports, but had to give up netball as it was causing knee pain. My children have played plenty of football over the years, and I never thought I’d be desperate to get on the pitch.
Joining the Hot Steppers has given me so many laughs. I’ve learnt something new and it’s good for my fitness. You can teach an old dog new tricks!
I first got introduced to walking football by a friend, who said “come along and try it, I think you’ll love it”. I’d lost my confidence over the past few years and like many women in their 40’s didn’t want to try new things for the fear of failure or making myself look silly. I was practically dragged along on a cold, wet evening. I’d thought of every excuse to get out of going, but I went and I’m so glad I did.
After that first session I was hooked. I love being part of a team sport again. It doesn’t matter that I’m not very good, what matters is that I enjoy it and that I’m a bit fitter. I’ve made some very good friends since joining the team, and now can’t wait for the next session. Sounds cheesy, but I love my football family!
I used to play football 30 years ago as a teenager. I have always loved having a kick about with the kids at the park, but never thought I would play with a team again. Then I met Jo, who loves football as much as me, and she told me about walking football. Eventually she persuaded me to give it a go. I am so happy she did.
I absolutely love it now and look forward to every Thursday with a great bunch of ladies. I have also been lucky to be chosen to play for Wales’ Walking Football team- never in my dreams did I imagine that I would play football for my country. Especially at my age. So if you want to keep fit, or have a bit of fun, have played football before, or have never kicked a ball, walking football is for everyone, so come and give it a go.
I remember the day well in Aug 2021! Leanne shouting over the fence – “Jo’s setting up a walking football session on a Thursday, you’re coming by the way!” With two football crazy friends/neighbours there was no way I was getting out of joining the ‘Hotsteppers’.
Anybody who knows me will know that I have no knowledge of football. With a household dominated by motor racing and mountain biking, the last thing I imagined to be in our house was a football kit and even more so for me to be the one wearing it!
Despite a couple of injuries along the way, I keep coming back and would highly recommend it! I have met an amazing group of ladies and am improving my fitness along the way.
When my lovely neighbour Kate asked to me to join her to try walking football, I must admit I was apprehensive. I always found team sports a bit scary growing up and thought they weren’t for me.I’m so glad I went along back in May, as I absolutely love it!
From the buzz of actually playing the game to the fun and friendship with the amazing ladies who make up the Hot Steppers, I can honestly say its been the best decision I’ve made in a long time.
I’d recommend it to anyone who wants a fun way of keeping fit with great laughs along the way.
Growing up in a house with a brother, I had no option but to watch football. I always wished I could play too, but back in those days girls playing football wasn’t heard of. So I just stuck to being a watergirl for my brother’s team.
When my son got asked to join his local team I couldn’t wait to be part of his journey. Then my partner said he was setting up one for Evans own age I couldn’t wait to join in – I loved kicking the ball around and playing games with the kids. But I still never thought I’d ever get to play for real.
Then Jo, founder of The Hot Steppers, message-bombed our parents football chat asking if anyone would like to join her ladies walking football group. I must admit I was bricking it when I went to my first session, but everyone was fab and I haven’t looked back since. (Thank you Iain for persuading me!) It’s great to do something just for me and I now find myself counting the sleeps until training and matches. I have made some great friends and am enjoying every minute of being a Hot Stepper.
Let me just start by saying if you think walking football isn’t for you because you’ve never really kicked a ball, you’ve struggled with ongoing injuries over the years, or you’re worried about your fitness…it’s time to think again.
Starting a new sport from scratch at 40+ was a little scary. I knew a few of the team, but as I headed for my first session I was pretty apprehensive. I needn’t have worried though. As the week’s have gone on my confidence has built, my fitness levels have improved, previous knee injuries haven’t flared up, and I honestly have never laughed so much while playing sport.
Big thanks goes to Jo for your persistence, and to the rest of the team for making me feel so welcome!
I played football a long time ago and dreamt of representing my country. However, because of social norms and FA rules the barriers for women seemed unsurmountable. Then the explosion of popularity in the Womens game prompted me to look for a local walking football team. I found the Hot Steppers a truly amazing group of women.
Hot Steppers are a fantastic team, they welcome newcomers regardless of age, skill or fitness levels and invest time in developing new players. Football here is fun you don’t even realise you are exercising. There are also competitive and representative opportunities if that is your thing.
Playing for Hot Steppers has been a privilege and made my dream of international honors a reality. I found my field of dreams at Ely Valley Miners and a chance to channel my inner Lionel Messi.
Why not give it a try, if you come you will never want to leave.
Being 60 plus with dodgy knees, ‘empty nest’ syndrome & an all work no play life, with a gentle nudge from my lovely niece to ‘come & give it a go’ I nervously stepped into the unknown world of RCT & walking football. Although unsure I could do it this was the best decision I have made for some time.
Such a fantastic group of supportive ladies with bucket loads of patience.
Each week is a learning curve but I haven’t had so much fun in years. I would encourage anyone thinking of trying something new to come & give it a go.