A YORK football club is changing the game for female players with the launch of women's walking football.
Honeyball United Women’s Football Club, which was founded earlier this year, is now offering walking football to create more opportunities for women to play.
The sessions offer participants a low-impact way to stay active, connected and part of the game whatever their age or fitness level.
They take place at Play Football York at Clifton Moor, fortnightly on Tuesdays from 7pm to 8pm, building on the club’s goals to promote women’s grassroots football, community spirit, and wellbeing.
Honeyball United WFC was the first grassroots club in the North Riding Football Association to be led by women for women, and aims to make football accessible, supportive, and empowering for all abilities.
Chair Kat Richardson said: “Team sport is so powerful in supporting both physical health and social connection, but there aren’t that many opportunities for women to get involved on a recreational level. So, women’s walking football seemed the obvious next step for Honeyball United, giving even more women the chance to get involved.”
Walking football offers all the joy of the game but at a slower pace and organisers stress that it isn’t just for older players. It is open to anyone who is returning to the sport after time away, who might be recovering from injury, or simply looking for a fun, non-contact and social way to stay active.
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Evidence suggests walking football can help lower cardiovascular risk factors, improve balance, coordination and mobility, and enhance mental wellbeing through shared activity and teamwork.
A Women in Sport report found that 84 per cent of women who play team sports feel happier and less stressed, and 70 per cent say it boosts their confidence, benefits that walking football also delivers in an inclusive, supportive setting, with reduced risk of injury.
Organisers expect interest to grow even more thanks to the success of the England Women’s 40’s team, Men’s 50’s and 70’s World Nations Cup walking football in Spain.
One of the Honeyball United players, Eunice Mouncer, said: "I’ve always been passionate about football and played from a very young age. I’ve now got to a time in my life where I still want to play but the old bones say different.
"Finding Honeyball women’s walking football team was brilliant for me as it meant I could still play the game I love at a slower pace. It’s fun, it keeps me fit and I have new friends who love the game as much as I do. I’m looking forward to playing against other teams and maybe doing a few tournaments.
"I think the way the club is promoting women’s football for people at different levels and abilities is amazing as it’s gives everyone the opportunity to play and enjoy the game."
Friends Jo Hollings, Kat Richardson and Kate White set up Honeyball United, which has an all-female committee.
They have championed inclusive football for women of all abilities for many years, and saw an opportunity to build a club from the ground up that reflects the values they stand for.
Honeyball United WFC is named after Nettie Honeyball, the pioneering founder of the British Ladies’ Football Club in 1896. The club offers a range of opportunities from Learn to Play sessions, informal kickabouts, competitive recreational league matches and now, walking football.
Tina Gray, another player, said: "Since retiring I have wanted to get into a team sport, something not too energetic but good exercise, and walking football is ideal. I absolutely love it.
"I was told about Honeyball United by a friend. It sounded like a great place to go and enjoy walking football and it looked very well organised.
"I enjoy the friendly faces, great atmosphere and the knowledge of some of the players, which really helps.
"I would suggest to other people if they are looking for some exercise and meeting new people, then walking football is for them. It doesn’t matter how old you are or if you’ve never played before, everyone is welcome."
To get involved, contact Honeyball United WFC via email at info@honeyballunitedwfc.co.uk, on Facebook or Instagram.
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