Why Have An EWFL Representative Side?
As we all know the essential elements of grassroots football are the relationships, the team spirit and the fun, with some casual opportunities thrown in, so that we are able to enjoy the beautiful game no matter what our age. As participants we will always have the desire to strive for greatness.
There are now many other walking football teams and walking football leagues in the UK and a great opportunity awaits us. The League has therefore decided to form three Essex Walking Football League Representative sides: an over 50’s; an over 60’s; an over 65’s, so that we can test Essex’s best against other walking football leagues. Unless agreed otherwise all matches will be played under the Essex Walking Football League rules. These are based on the FA’s original LOTG template and our competition rules have been adjusted to ensure that physical contact is not made in order to win the ball or gain an advantage without taking the ball cleanly and thereby ensuring all game play is fair.
So does this mean there’s representative football for everyone? There is now! So let us not ignore what is now the fastest growing sport in the UK….walking football!
What are the benefits of playing representative football? – As a player, playing representative football for your League or your County allows you to test your ability against some of the best walking football players from other Leagues or Counties during the year. It is a great honour to play in a team, which represents your League or County. Some of us remember what it felt like when we were younger!
How would the the players be selected for the teams? – Dependent on the level of interest, players would be picked through possibly Clubs being asked to refer players for selection. All EWFL clubs/teams must be affilated to their local FA.
How would these teams be funded? – We would hope that such an initiative would eventually have the backing of the County FA but we are currently seeking other partnerships and sponsorships to cover our costs, kits and equipment etc.
How would you promote or advertise fixtures? – All match details could be posted on this website and via the use of other social media sites.
Why have an Essex Walking Football League Representative Team? – Because you’re never too old to play football!
The Essex Walking Football League Representative Team Managers are:
| Over 50’s – Damian O’Reilly and Bill Sedgwick (Acting) |
| Over 60’s – Gary Murphy and Peter Osborne |
| Over 65’s – Terry Buck (Acting) |
Approaches have been made to other walking football leagues and responses have been received From:
| Birmingham County West Midlands Walking Football League |
| Derbyshire Walking Football League |
| Walking Football Northern Premier League |
| Greater Manchester Walking Football League |
| French Walking Football Federation (‘Footschem’) |
| International Walking Football Federation (IWFF) |
| Kent Walking Football League (non-FA affiliated) |
| Linx Walking Football League |
| TRA National League Midlands |
| TRA National League South |
| WFA South East England |
| Middlesex Walking Football League |
Games have been played against:
| Birmingham County West Midlands Walking Football League |
| French Walking Football Federation (‘Footschem’)International |
| Kent Walking Football League (non-FA affiliated) |
The Essex Walking Football League recently joined the Walking Football League Alliance and it is anticipated that fixtures and a more formal Inter-League Championship competition can be set up with all the leagues that are members of this alliance.