Local walking football group raises £3K for charity

A local walking football club has recently raised over £3,000 for charity. 

Denton Walking Football Group took part in a 12-hour ‘walking football marathon’ on Friday, raising north of £3,200 for Children in Need. 

The event saw players kick off the marathon at 7am and finish at 7pm. 

“We wanted to do a full 24 hours,” said Denton Walking Football Group chairman, Gordon Nixon. 

“But we felt that having floodlights on at 3am might annoy the neighbours a bit, so we cut it down to 12!”. 

Also there on the day were Curzon Ashton’s walking football side, along with Denton Youth’s U’16 girls and Dukinfield’s Ladies cricket team, who all helped out with the numbers. 

Among the spectators was Tameside Civic Mayor Betty Affleck, who came down to show her support. 

The initial fundraising target of £1,000 was smashed before the event even began, and as mentioned, now stands at £3,200. 

Donations were made directly to the club, and via a JustGiving page- to donate, visit the following link: 

https://www.justgiving.com/page/lawrence-otoole-1730215481746?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Flawrence-otoole-1730215481746&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share

Denton Walking Football Group was first set up in 2016 and gives over 60’s in the area the chance to continue playing the sport they love. 

With over 80 members, the club caters for a number of age groups. 

The over 60’s team host sessions from 10am-11am on Tuesdays and Thursdays, while the over 65’s team hold their sessions from 11am-12pm on the same days. 

Chairman Graham Nixon says the club are always on the lookout for new members: 

“Anyone who wants to come down and give it a go is more than welcome. 

“You don’t have to be Sergio Aguero to come and play here, all abilities are welcome- it's just about coming down and getting a bit of exercise. 

“It’s not just about the football either, it’s the social side as well. 

“There’s great camaraderie at the club, we have a curry night and do a Christmas party every year- that side of it is just as important as the football, we love getting together.” 

To get in contact with the club, or learn more, visit their Facebook page- Denton Walking Football Group.