As part of our International Women’s Day coverage, a regular participant at the TRFC Women’s Walking Football group has spoken to Tranmere Rovers in the Community about how the sport has helped build her confidence.
International Women’s Day 2019 takes place on Friday 8th March and as one of the most female-empowered clubs in the Football League, Tranmere Rovers are highlighting some of their most inspiring women in the build up to the big day.
Karen regularly attends the Women’s Walking Football session at the Prenton Park Recreation Centre, discussing how she first got involved she said “I’ve been coming to the sessions on a Tuesday for the past two years. I first came because a friend from school mentioned it to me, she used to play football and wanted somebody to join this walking football group with.
“I just kept thinking “I’m not doing that, everyone will laugh at me!” and I thought it would be really boring, kicking a ball around with older women, but as soon as I got here I enjoyed it straight away.
“The girls are so friendly, everyone talks to you as soon as you walk through the door and involves you with all the chatting and banter so any nerves disappear instantly. We’re just a massive group of friends that is growing every week.”
The walking football sessions are open to people of all ages and ability, regardless of any footballing experience. Karen highlighted the importance of groups like this in terms of keeping you involved with the local community, she continued: “A lot of women that come here have finished work and miss that social side of it – we make sure to do different things together like parties at Christmas and we go walking of a weekend.
“Some of the women have had mental health and other problems at home so before coming here they struggled to get out, but you can see they really enjoy themselves and what a difference it makes to their lives.
“It helps everyone’s personality come out again getting involved with the jokes and conversation. Laughter is a great tonic.
“It’s not so much about the actual football, the majority of us only have a couple of touches over the hour, it’s more that women just love to have a space to talk. You don’t need to have any experience, just turn up and get involved as much as you can. After coming to this group I also joined walking netball so they all help your confidence and ability bit by bit”.
If you are interested in attending a walking football session at the Recreation Centre, please see further information below:
Monday: Over 50s (2-3pm)
Tuesday: Females over 40 (11-12pm)
Wednesday: Over 50s (11-12pm)
Friday: Over 65s (11-12pm)
To find out more information about our walking football sessions, please email SteveW@tranmererovers.co.uk.