After several years of playing with the men at Watford Walking Football Club, Holly felt the time was right to launch a women’s section. With support and encouragement from the club, she was able to secure funding from the FA Equal Game Fund in 2025, which finally allowed Nabs and Holly to get the ball rolling. They advertised locally and online to attract women interested in playing football at a slower pace with minimal contact and even made an appearance on daytime TV. Within months, more than 40 women had signed up, ranging from experienced 11-a-side players to complete beginners eager to learn and be part of something special. Eighteen months later, the women have three teams and a thriving section that offers friendship, support, and the camaraderie that comes from being a part of this wonderful sport.

On Sunday 18th October the Watford Hornets Women’s 50s played in our first-ever FA Walking Football Cup Finals at St George’s Park National Football Centre.

As you’d expect, they were up against the best teams in the country. First up were a highly skilled Bolton side, who we held to a 1-1 draw. They then won our next three games versus Bristol Badgers, Newcastle Swifts, and Thames. This meant we only needed a draw against Forest to secure a place in the final – and we delivered.

The final against Bolton was incredibly close and intense throughout, but we kept calm and stuck to our plan. When the final whistle blew at 0-0, it all came down to penalties. Thankfully Kelly and Sparrow held their nerve and slotted home a couple of unstoppable strikes, and with two unfortunate misses from Bolton, we were crowned champions, what a brilliant day! 🏆

We would like to say a huge thank you to the FA for providing this incredible opportunity, and for running such a well-organised tournament, with fantastic refereeing throughout.

As a team the women couldn’t have reached this pinnacle without huge amounts of help and support from Watford Walking Football Club—particularly Glenn, Ash, and our amazing committee. They also appreciate the heartfelt encouragement from the men’s section, and the rest of the women’s section who have done everything asked of them from day one. And a special mention must go to the manager Scott, who gives up his time to coach, advise, and guide us, always with patience and good humour, despite facing the occasional menopausal outburst! 😂❤️

There is nothing better in life than lifting this trophy as a team and as part of such a fantastic club – long may it continue! 💛🖤