Our Walking Football programme kicked off once again in recent weeks, with great numbers togging out weekly for our session that takes place every Thursday at Butler Community Centre.

Our Walking Football programme is open to everyone over the age of 50, with the aim of the initiative to encourage Blues fans of all ages to get on the pitch and enjoy the social aspect of the sport.
Our Walking Football programme takes place every Thursday in Butler Community Centre from 11am until 12pm, with refreshments kindly sponsored by the Blues Supporters Club afterwards.
Recently, our Walking Football group took part in their first-ever Age & Opportunity walking football blitz in Bishopstown in Cork City. The side played six games in total, playing fellow League of Ireland walking football teams in Cork City & Shamrock Rovers, along with various Mens Shed groups.
With plenty goals scored and games played, we got the thoughts of some of the personnel involved in our walking football group:
Dessie Walsh (Member of our Walking Football group): “Our walking football group is brilliant – I really enjoy it. There’s a great bunch of lads in the group with a super atmosphere among team. I never thought I would get the chance to represent the club after all these years – so I’m really proud to have the chance to now. Come along and you will be made more than welcome, its great to exercise, good fun, chance to meet new people and have a chat after game in relaxed atmosphere and discuss which biscuits go better with tea or coffee!”
John Kelly (Member of our Walking Football group): “It was absolutely brilliant down in Cork with the group. To be able to take part in something like that is an honour – especially when you’re retired! As they say ‘if you don’t use it, you lose it’, so I was asked by a few of the lads if I’d like to come along and it was the best phone call I’ve ever got! I’m 65 years of age and wearing the Blues jersey for your own county is absolutely fantastic – I loved it, and so did all the lads”.
Amy O’Connor (Waterford FC in the Community team member): “It was lovely to see the team back on a pitch and playing the game they are all so passionate about. Many of the players never imagined they would have the chance to play football again, let alone competitively as part of a team. The true highlight for the players was the opportunity to represent their club while wearing the blues kit. This was a lifelong dream for many of them”.
To find out more about our Walking Football Programme, or to get involved, contact Waterford FC’s Head of Community Colin Power on 087-2822822, or at community@waterfordfc.ie.