A FORMER England football captain is starting up a new walking football league in Warrington.

In partnership with LiveWire Warrington, the former captain David Platt is launching the exciting initiative.

The Walking Football League will be aimed towards people of all ages and abilities, and the sport is ‘rapidly growing’ in popularity throughout the UK.

Now, over 70 per cent of players are playing more than twice a week and 85 per cent are seeking more competitive play.

The league will start in the second week of September, matches will be held on Monday evenings from 6pm to 9pm at Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub.

David Platt commented on the new league, saying: “Our other venues currently cater for a more traditional walking football league starting with players aged 50 plus, but having spoken with LiveWire’s sports development manager Paul Flannery, we are excited to partner with them to bring a more inclusive league format for all ages, with no restrictions on who can enter. 

“Paul has made me aware of so many positive life stories his current walking football sessions have helped with, and we are delighted to be partnering in this new initiative giving structure to those sessions.”

To summarise the up-and-coming sport, Walking Football is a variation of traditional football designed for those looking to stay active without the intensity of running.

The game follows similar rules to regular football but with one important difference: players must walk instead of run. This reduces the risk of injury and makes the sport more accessible to people of all fitness levels and ages.

Teams consist typically of six players each and no running or jogging is allowed.

Tackles and physical contact are minimised to prevent injuries and the game focuses on skill, strategy, and teamwork rather than speed and physicality.

Warrington Borough Council’s cabinet member for communities, culture and leisure, Cllr Tony Higgins, said: “I’m proud of LiveWire’s continued commitment to making sport accessible.

“I’m really pleased that the council, through LiveWire, is supporting the new walking football league and I hope many people begin their walking football journey with us.

“Come along and give it a go.”

Visit walkingfootballleague.com for more details.