OUR MISSION

Seeking the glory of winning brings with it the disappointment of losing. This results in the extra aggression that has crept into Walking Football and should not be allowed if we are to maintain the safe ethos of the Rules. If we cannot play with dignity, humility and respect we are losing the focus of what walking football is meant to be. The age groups that play walking football regard it as a safe slower paced way to continue the excitement that football provides and win or lose everyone is a winner at our ages. The FA have always seen it as a social format not a Competitive one, however, a competitive nature has produced many tiers of walking football, some of which should not use the generic name as they are now becoming hybrids. Many can still be classed as Veterans Small Sided Football. If you accept losing in friendly rivalry you are already a humble winner, for winners to show due decorum in triumph you share the same values as the defeated. We are in this together, one large brotherhood presenting a unified bond of mutual friendship. Players are not defined by their ability or pigeonholed by their potential value but in their appreciation of a second chance to exhibit a mutual interest in a sport that is meant to unite senior people and bring them together in three common causes, fitness, health and wellbeing in a game that should be known for its skill not aggression. At HC•SP England our ambition is to Win Hearts and Minds and Encourage Self Esteem.

As we age our bodies undergo metabolic and physical changes. These depend on the rigours we have endured getting to old age. Heart and cancer conditions cause half the deaths that occur in England over a year. The older we get the more the danger of being struck by one of these problems, survival rates are increasing through the work of the British Heart Foundation and Cancer Research UK. We owe it to ourselves to stay as actively fit and mentally aware as we can. Walking Football provides all the requirements needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It sustains stamina, exercises cardiovascular muscle, produces endorphins to boost mood and release stress, provides the gentle movements that keeps limbs and muscles active and flexible and contributes to social interaction that the elderly lose with the isolation of retirement. As a team of players who have undergone surgery, treatment and procedures for heart, cancer and stroke conditions we hope to inspire those who have experienced the same and need encouragement to continue active lifestyles and there for those newly diagnosed that a full life will go on after treatments and recuperation. We aspire to demonstrate through this initiative the belief and dogged determination of the players who play in Exhibition and Charity Festivals that life need not come to a standstill. We include any players who are diagnosed with Parkinson's condition to come and join us. We have players placed Nationally in various regions of England and the next phase is to find people to take up the project regionally in the 3 areas of England. South, North, and the Midlands to offer opportunities more local to players. 

Commended to continue this project at Local FA Level we have the first Independant England Team. Supporting people who have overcome adversity and defy physical and mental barriers to inspire others needing a little encouragement to take up an active lifestyle. The badge consists of three Lion Heads representing Heart, Cancer and Stroke. The 6 Tudor Roses represent North, South, East and West with 2 central representing the East and West Midlands. As a National Project, we have players who come from various areas of the country playing with various Clubs, raising the possibility of Regional Community Trusts working with us to promote the brand and ethos as a National outlet for players who qualify within their groups. We wish to raise awareness provide support and encouragement through example to people with low confidence, of what they could be capable of with a little effort in building self esteem and wellbeing. We have created a Unique family of senior players who by their medical experiences support each other, encourage and inspire in others the possibilities still available to them in leading a socially active  lifestyle.

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Wherever we go and whoever we play we are complimented on the way we conduct ourselves, this is an important aspect of our Core Values which helps to promote our Special Group of Players. To be regarded by such esteemed Teams is testimony of our retaining the true ethics of Walking Football and helping to inspire people with similar backgrounds. Winning Hearts and Minds over Cups by sharing a familiar identity is the goal we aim to achieve more than Glory. Without holding trials we achieve Diversity, Inclusion and Respect amongst all the players who join us with free choice, no one is separated by quality and equal opportunity is given to all. We are special, we have overcome shared medical conditions that define our life attitudes and appreciation of beating adversity to get the most out of our lives. We will continue and endure through our individual and collective spirit to demonstrate our character and strength. We do not need organisers to pigeonhole our abilities or qualities we push our own boundaries and support each other.