Wigton Rugby Club to host new walking football group

The new group is being launched by Cheshire native Joe Cosby, who is now based in Silloth.

The first meeting of the new group will take place on Monday, November 4 between 5.30pm and 6.30pm at Wigton Rugby Club and has been created with the help of the Cumberland FA's football development officer Ray Sempill.

The group will meet at Wigton Rugby Club (Image: Archive) Joe moved to Sillot earlier this year and despite a pre-existing health condition was interested in joining a sports group, however, found that local options were limited and has decided to start up his own walking football sessions.

He said: "I moved up to Cumbria back in January and I was looking to get involved in some sort of sports activity and there was not a huge amount to choose from.

"I live in Silloth and I found it difficult to find something and I have a health condition that means I cannot play normal sports, I have to do gentle sports and I am a massive football fan so walking football just seemed like the natural fit.

"Our nearest groups were in Carlisle, Cockermouth, and Workington, there is a group in Silloth but is on Monday afternoon and I know there are a lot of people who were interested in this new group who work nine to five.

"We have organising this and putting posters up since June and we have finally been able to find a pitch and get it going."

For Joe, the sky is the limit for the new group, with plans to put together competitive teams to enter local and national competitions if there is interest.

However, to start Joe is encouraging people to get involved and feel the benefits of the slower-paced version of the beautiful game.

He said: "Walking football is a way to enjoy and introduce people to the game. It is for everyone, from those who have not kicked a ball in 20 years to those who want to lose a bit of weight or even just try it out.

"It is not just about the football, it is about the relationships you get through it as well.

"We are not expecting people to come and walk around for a full hour, it is about having a bit of a natter and enjoying the banter you get from football.

"I grew up standing behind the goal and being on the terraces as a Crewe Alexandra season ticket holder and it is nice to be able to chat with people about Match of The Day and whether Cole Palmer should start for England."