The World Championships of walking football’s international organisation are being held at the SMH Group Stadium this weekend. To help the team from Australia warm-up for the tournament, Chesterfield’s walking football club, the Senior Spireites, are playing a series of games against them.
The warm up matches will take place at Queen’s Park Leisure Centre on Tuesday/Wednesday and supporters are very welcome to attend. On Wednesday, the Chesterfield women’s walking football club, the Spirettes, are also playing against the Australian women’s team.
The World Championships themselves are being held at the SMH Group Stadium from Friday to Sunday, involving teams from Australia, Lithuania, Sweden, Norway, France, Wales, Poland and the hosts, England. The organisers are the IWFF (International Walking Football Federation Council) and they are involving the local community, with primary school visits by the overseas teams. More details are available via https://www.iwff.org.uk/services
John Croot, chief executive of the club and Community Trust, came up with the idea for a walking version of football for an ‘Extra Time’ initiative aimed at people aged 55 and over. It has since become a very popular sport around the world.
A blue plaque will be unveiled soon, close to the HUB, recognising Chesterfield FC Community Trust’s role in the formation of walking football.
The cost of attending the tournament is £10 for a Day Pass or £25 for a Weekend Ticket, allowing access on all three days. Book via the following link: https://bookwhen.com/cfcct/e/ev-s057-20240517143000
