Collingham Ladies Walking Football Club is celebrating triple success.

Last year saw the first season for the Lincolnshire Women’s Walking Football League — one of the first in the country to offer the sport competitively for women — and Collingham’s over-40s team claimed the league title.

The team, who had already been playing socially for five years, also entered the Walking Football League Association National Competition.

After winning through the regional stages, Collingham made it to the national finals, where they finished runners-up on goal difference to a seasoned Bolton Arena team.

It was a proud achievement for a team that must now be classed amongst the best in the country, alongside the likes of Birmingham and Bolton Arena.

The team has also secured sponsorship from Opus.

Wendy Shaw, who works for Opus Business Advisory Group at its Nottingham branch, is aplayer, coach and manager of the team.

A keen advocate for the sport, alongside other members of the team she has represented England at internatonal level.

After learning more about the sport and the opportunities it gives to older players, Opus said it was delighted to sponsor Collingham.

Tim Dolder, group partner at Opus, said: “It’s wonderful to be able to support such a well-loved local team as Collingham Ladies Walking Football. We wish them all the best for this season.”

This year Lincolnshire has opened its league to two age groups — over-40s and over-50s, both of which Collingham Ladies have entered.

The ladies will also represent the Lincolnshire League in the League Champions Cup, playing against all other league champions as last year’s Lincolnshire League champions.

Wendy added: “Women of all ages are hungry for competitive football. No matter your age, if you have that competitive spirit, you never lose it!

“It is not just about the competitive game though, as both the physical and mental health benefits from participation at all levels offer significant value to those involved.”

Walking football is a fast-growing sport, which has evolved to give older football enthusiasts an opportunity to play while being protected as much as possible from the riskier elements of the sport.Matches are played at walking pace with no overhead height balls or tackling from behind or the side.

The safety of walking football has helped to open up the game, allowing older and less physically able people to enjoy the sport both socially at club level, and competitively through leagues and tournaments.

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