Walking footballers set for regional finals

Two teams from Exeter City are getting ready to compete in the South West regional round of the Football League Trust's national walking football tournament.

The event is being held on Friday 26 June in the Sports Hall at the University of Exeter from 7-9pm.

They will be joined in the round-robin competition by teams from Plymouth Argyle, Swindon, Bristol City and Portsmouth and the top two teams will go through to the national finals, which will be held at St George's Park - the FA's national football centre - on July 6.

Exeter City's Football in the Community team runs three Walking Football sessions in the area - two in Exeter and one in Sidmouth.

Aimed at the over 55s - male and female - the game is ideal for those who would like a gentle reintroduction to physical activity or who need to improve their baseline fitness.

Of course, people are more than welcome to just come along to have some fun and meet new friends!

Led by Football in the Community's FA-licenced coaches, the sessions are split into ten-minute games so participants can do as much, or as little, as they feel appropriate.

They take place every Tuesday, from 11.30am-12.30pm in the sports hall at the Wonford Leisure Centre and a new group has just started in Beacon Heath on the all-weather pitch at St James High School on Wednesdays from 6-7pm.

From Thursday 2 July, there will be a weekly session at the Sidmouth Leisure Centre, which starts at 6pm. Turn up to any of the sessions and your first one is free.

Anyone interested can email fitc@exetercityfc.co.uk or telephone 01392 255611 for more information, or simply turn up and watch before taking the plunge!