Walking Football FAQs

The short answer: Yes, absolutely.

Walking football is designed to be inclusive, focusing on accessibility rather than high-intensity sprinting. It’s an ideal option for those who love the game but want to protect their joints or manage their energy levels.

Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or haven’t laced up your boots in decades, the slower pace makes it easy to jump back in. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the tactical and social side of football without the physical toll of a traditional match.

If you are looking to play walking football in the Poole area, Dexter Sports Walking Football Club (DSWFC) offers regular sessions at two key locations. As a club dedicated to players aged 49 and over, we provide a safe, inclusive, and social environment for all skill levels.

Our training locations and times:

The County Ground (Hamworthy)

• When: Friday evenings, 7:00pm – 9:00pm
• Where: Blandford Close, Hamworthy, Poole, BH15 4BF
• Surface: Premium 3G pitch (studded boots/moulded studs required)

Learoyd Road (Canford Heath)

• When: Monday evenings, 7:00pm – 8:00pm
• Where: Learoyd Road, Canford Heath, Poole, BH17 8PJ
• Surface: Premium 3G pitch (studded boots/moulded studs required)

Why join DSWFC?

We are affiliated with the Dorset FA and the Walking Football Association (WFA). Beyond our weekly training, we represent Dexter Sports in the Dorset Walking Football League with competitive teams in the 50s, 60s, and 65s categories.

Absolutely. Many of our members at DSWFC hadn’t kicked a ball in 20 or 30 years before joining us. Our sessions are designed to be “beginner-friendly” with a focus on inclusion.

There’s no judgment here – just a group of like-minded people enjoying the game at a manageable pace. You’ll be surprised how quickly your “football brain” remembers what to do!

While it’s still the “beautiful game” at heart, walking football has specific rules designed to keep the sport safe, inclusive, and focused on skill rather than speed. Here is how it differs from the running game at Dexter Sports Walking Football Club:

• No running: This is the big one. One foot must be on the ground at all times. If the referee spots a player jogging or sprinting, a free kick is awarded to the opposition.
• Non-Contact: Walking football is a non-contact sport. While players can “shadow” and close down space, physical tackling and shoulder charging are not permitted to minimize the risk of injury.
• Ball Height: To keep the game grounded and safe, the ball must stay below head height (usually defined as 6 feet or the height of the crossbar).
• No Offsides: Just like five-a-side, there is no offside rule, which encourages clever positioning and movement into space.
• Free Kicks: All free kicks are indirect, and opposing players must remain a set distance (usually 3 meters) from the ball.

Why we play this way

At our sessions in Poole, these rules allow players aged 49 and over to enjoy the tactical side of football without the high impact on joints. It’s less about who can sprint the fastest and more about passing accuracy, vision, and teamwork.

Key Differences Table

We keep our sessions affordable to ensure walking football is accessible to everyone in Poole. We operate on a transparent, pay-as-you-play basis with no hidden annual membership fees.

Our Session Rates:

• The County Ground (Fridays): £5 per session
• Learoyd Road (Mondays): £2 per session
• Tournaments: Usually £5 per player

How Payment Works:

To keep things simple on the pitch, we don’t collect cash at every session. Instead:

• Monthly Totals: We keep track of the sessions you attend.
• Monthly Update: Once a month, we share a summary of what is owed.
• Bank Transfer: You simply settle your balance via a quick bank transfer.

New to the club? Your first session is completely free! We want you to come down, meet the team, and see if it’s for you before you spend a penny.

You don’t need much to get started! We recommend comfortable sports clothing (t-shirt and shorts or joggers). For footwear, at either venue, the 3G pitch requires moulded studs or astro boots (no flat trainers or metal studs). We also strongly recommend shin pads should be worn for your safety. We provide all the bibs and balls!

Walking football is more than just a slower version of the game; it’s a powerful tool for improving both physical health and mental wellbeing, specifically for players in the 49+ age bracket.

At Dexter Sports Walking Football Club, we see firsthand how the sport transforms our members. Here are the primary benefits:

1. Physical Health & Fitness

Even though there is no running, a typical session involves thousands of steps and constant movement.

2. Mental Wellbeing

The psychological benefits are often the most cited by our players in Poole.

3. Social Connection

Walking football brings back the “dressing room banter” and team spirit that many players thought they had left behind years ago.

Ready to feel the benefits?

Whether you’re 49 or 79, your first session is about having fun and getting moving. There’s no pressure – just great football and even better company.

We usually start with a gentle group warm-up to get the joints moving and prevent injury. This is followed by some light passing drills to get everyone a touch of the ball.

The bulk of the session is dedicated to small-sided games e.g. 6-a-side or 7-a-side, where we put the walking football rules into practice. We always finish with a bit of a social chat – and occasionally head into the bar for a coffee or drink afterwards!