Tricia & Karen
Walking football at Chesterfield FC Community Trust is about far more than staying active. For participants like Tricia Borrell and Karen Lenthall, it has become a place for connection, confidence, and community.
Karen’s relationship with football stretches back decades, starting with informal games as a child in the 1950s. Today, she attends weekly sessions alongside her daughter, continuing a lifelong passion in a completely new way. What stands out most to her is not just the activity, but the people.
The group has created a strong sense of belonging, where friendships have flourished beyond the pitch. Regular sessions are followed by social time, where participants come together, share experiences, and support one another. For Karen, this has led to meaningful relationships she would never otherwise have formed.
The inclusive nature of the sessions is central to their success. Participants range in age from their 40s to their 80s, with varying abilities and backgrounds. Everyone is welcomed, everyone is involved, and everyone is supported.
For Tricia, walking football offered an opportunity that had once been taken away. As a young girl, she was discouraged from playing the sport. Years later, seeing a poster for the programme changed everything. She joined immediately and has not looked back.
Since working from home after the pandemic, the sessions have provided an important social outlet. They have reintroduced routine, connection, and enjoyment into her week. Beyond the sessions themselves, Tricia has taken part in social events and even experienced opportunities she never imagined, including involvement in international competitions.
Together, their stories highlight the impact of creating inclusive, welcoming spaces where people can stay active, build friendships, and feel part of something bigger.
