Blackpool's double walking football champions

BFCCT’s over-50s team are the EFL regional and national champions and were at pitch-side at half-time for pictures with both trophies.

Blackpool FC Community Trust delivers a very successful walking football programme throughout the Blackpool and Fylde area, with four sessions weekly.

In 2014, the Trust teamed up with Age UK Blackpool, to give people of 50+ an opportunity to take part in physical activity through the beautiful game. Sessions at Stanley Park are now delivered twice a week, with BFCCT driving the project forward.

Its success has led the trust to deliver two sessions a week in partnership with Lytham Town FC and Age UK Lancashire.

Blackpool FC Community Trust held its first in-house tournament between the Blackpool and Lytham centres in 2015, the winners going forward to represent the trust at the regional tournament, which Blackpool won.

The trust’s team attended the national finals at St George’s Park last summer and faced regional champions from across the country. They progressed through the group and knockout stages before beating Nottingham Forest on penalties in the final.

Inclusion officer Owen Coyle said: “This is a fantastic achievement. The walking football sessions have gone from strength to strength. The emphasis is on inclusion and to improve fitness and mental well-being while playing the game we all love.”

Contact BFCCT for more information on (01253) 348691.