A new women’s walking football programme in Bury is helping beginners build confidence, improve fitness and form lasting friendships.
Bury Football Club Community Sports Trust successfully secured funding from the Let’s Make a Difference Fund, administered by Bury VCFA, to deliver Women’s Walking Football for Beginners. The free 12‑week programme aimed to engage women aged 40+ who were new to the sport, and it delivered impressive results.
Hosted at Gigg Lane, the weekly one‑hour sessions were carefully designed to be welcoming and accessible. Participants progressed at their own pace through light fitness exercises, football skills, drills and small‑sided walking football games, all within a fun, supportive and women‑only environment.
While improving physical health was a key focus, the programme went beyond sport. Social connection was woven into the project, helping to reduce isolation and strengthen community ties. Three social events brought the group together off the pitch, including a trip to a Bury FC match, a cinema evening and a celebration event where participants received certificates to mark their achievements.
The programme successfully engaged 20 women, meeting its participation target. Attendance remained strong across the 12 weeks, with an average attendance rate of 75%, reflecting high commitment and enjoyment among those involved.
Following the success of Walk This Way, the women’s walking football sessions will continue on a self-sustaining basis, supported by a small, affordable subscription fee to cover basic running costs. This ensures the programme remains accessible while giving participants the chance to keep moving, socialising and playing the game they’ve grown to love.
"I've loved my time on the walking football project. Each session included a warmup, a skills game and match play. Each activity was engaging and fun. I've learnt more about football; my skills have improved and my fitness has too. We've also learned to work together as a team too, with lots of laughs along the way. The sessions have been one of the highlights of my week. - Cathy (Walk this Way Participant)
