With competitions for Over-50s and Over-58s teams, Wolves Foundation’s two sides took on players from Shrewsbury, Hartshill, Rushall and Sutton at the Foundation Arena on Saturday.
The tournament was supported by McCarthy Stone, the developer behind the Thorneycroft Retirement Living Plus development in Tettenhall.
Wolves legend and former club record goalscorer John Richards also spent the day taking in the action as the players looked to impress the former England international.
“I didn’t realise the games were such hard work!”, said John. “It’s absolutely fantastic and the players get so much out of it not just physically but mentally as well.
“I’m very impressed with the whole setup. I’ve heard about the walking football run by the Foundation, but I’ve not actually seen any until now.
“Just talking to the players, they’ve had knee replacements, hip replacements, but they get so much enjoyment out of being here with their pals and having a bit of competitive football. It’s something that they never thought they’d be able to do as they got older, but they can do with this style of football. They suffer the next day but they don’t mind!”
Walking football is a sport that is inclusive for all, with the mental and social benefits proving just as important as the physical ones. Husband and wife duo Stewart and Tracy Dudwell represent the Wolves Foundation Over-58s team, with Stewart also managing the Over-50s.
He said: “I’ve been involved with the Wolves for around five years now. We’ve been playing in these tournaments over the years and for Wolves to put it on has been fantastic.
“This facility is one of the best that we ever play on and obviously to have John Richards here as well is brilliant. He’s our hero from days gone by.”
Tracy added: “Pulling the Wolves shirt on is massive. We’ve even played at Molineux a couple of times now and it’s been brilliant.
“I only started playing football five years ago. At first it was hard work, but the group do accept you. Around the country there are loads of women starting up now and it’s growing worldwide.”
As part of its support, McCarthy Stone has not only become the Wolves walking football team’s first ever shirt sponsor, but they have also donated £1,000 to the Foundation.
Cheryl Bissett, divisional sales and marketing director for McCarthy Stone, said: “It has been great to partner with Wolves’ Over-50s walking football club to organise this tournament. As well as building high quality apartments, we feel that McCarthy Stone has responsibility to help its residents and others in the local community lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
“It has been a pleasure to support the teams and the Wolves Foundation and we’re glad that the tournament was a success. We’d also like to thank the supporters who turned up to support their teams and create a great atmosphere.”
Georgina Slawinski, health engagement officer at Wolves Foundation, said: “A huge thank you to McCarthy Stone for their support of the tournament. It was great to receive such positive feedback about the venue and the event.
“Congratulations to the Over-50s tournament winners Sutton’s Finest and the Over-58s tournament winners Shrewsbury, and everyone who took part in the tournament.
“Walking football continues to grow across the UK and it was brilliant to see so many players in action at the Foundation Arena. We’d encourage anyone over 50 to give walking football a try and attend one of our sessions at Bilston or Aldersley.”
Wolves Foundation host two weekly walking football sessions:
Mondays – 4pm to 5pm – Bert Williams Leisure Centre, Bilston, WV14 0EF (£4.50 per session)
Tuesdays – 5.30pm tp 6.30pm – Foundation Indoor Arena, Aldersley, WV6 9NW (£2 per session)
For more information please contact Matt Campbell on mattcampbell@wolves.co.uk or 07908 101608 or click here.
For further information on McCarthy Stone, visit www.mccarthystone.co.uk
