The Derbyshire FA is hosting a walking football festival to raise money for the Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

The festival will be help at Belper Leisure Centre on Thursday 1st August, and will support the charity who operate across South Yorkshire, North Derbyshire, North Nottinghamshire, and parts of North Lincolnshire.

The Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice helps to create memories and experiences for families going through the hardest times.

They support children and young adults who have life-shortening or life-threatening conditions, and currently are supporting over 250 families with respite care, end of life care, short breaks, therapies, counselling, activities and much more.

Angie Harper, Football Development Officer at the Derbyshire FA, said “The walking football festivals have been really successful in the past and it is good to be able to link with Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice to raise money for an excellent cause. 

“Last year’s festival was such a success that want to make it a regular on the calendar”.

Hannah Saunders, Community Fundraiser for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, said: “Having just heard about the fantastic benefits of Walking Football I am more than impressed and can heartily recommend that everyone takes part at least once this summer!

“This event allows people who have loved the sport all their lives to once again safely get back to playing and also introduces the sport to people who perhaps have never considered playing before.

“Young, old, man, woman, there is a club out there for everyone.

“Why not come along to the Walking Football Festival at Belper to see whether it’s for you, whilst supporting a great charity and meeting people who could become lifelong friends - I look forward to meeting you there!”

See below for more information about the Walking Football Festival:

• Entry fee is £35, all of which will be donated to Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.
• Teams will be six-a-side.
• Games will be played on the 3G pitch at Belper Leisure Centre.
• Unlimited squad size.
• Roll-on roll-off substitutes.
• Matches will be between 10-15 minutes long (depending on the number of teams that enter).