Over 70s Walking Football Blackpool
Blackpool Senior Seasiders are proud to run one of the most established and active Over 70s walking football squads in Lancashire and the Fylde Coast.
Our Over 70s team gives players aged 70 and above the opportunity to stay active, enjoy competitive football and remain part of a welcoming football community. Whether returning to the game after retirement or continuing a lifelong passion for football, walking football provides a safe, social and enjoyable way to maintain fitness and wellbeing.
The squad regularly competes in regional and national walking football competitions, including the Greater Manchester Walking Football League (Heywood), WFA tournaments and WFLA cup competitions. Blackpool Senior Seasiders proudly represent Blackpool and the Fylde Coast against clubs from across Lancashire and the wider UK.
Walking football for over 70s continues to grow in popularity as more players discover the physical, mental and social benefits of the game. Regular participation can help improve mobility, balance, cardiovascular fitness and confidence, while also creating lasting friendships and social connections through both recreational walking football sessions and competitive fixtures.
Many of our players travel from across Blackpool, Fleetwood, Cleveleys, Poulton, Lytham and surrounding Lancashire areas to take part in both recreational walking football sessions and competitive fixtures.
If you would like to learn more about leagues, competitions and opportunities to play across the region, visit our walking football in Lancashire page, or browse our latest walking football fixtures, match results and match reports.
Meet Our Over 70s Manager
Player/Manager Jim Campbell has been a key part of Blackpool Senior Seasiders across multiple age groups and competitions over the years. His experience, commitment and passion for walking football continue to play an important role in the success and growth of the Over 70s squad.
Jim has represented the Seasiders in regional and national walking football competitions, helping the club build a strong reputation across Lancashire and the wider UK. His leadership on and off the pitch helps create a welcoming, competitive and supportive environment for players aged over 70.
Jim is ably assisted by Club Stalwart Neil Martin, who used to coach Clifton Rangers Under 7’s! He says the 70’s squad give him more trouble.
As walking football continues to grow in popularity amongst older players, experienced figures like Jim help ensure that Blackpool Senior Seasiders remain one of the leading Over 70s walking football teams on the Fylde Coast.
Over 70s Matchdays
Over 70s Squad Stats
| Player | Appearances | Goals | Last Played |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jim Campbell | 19 | 5 | 2 Sep 2026 |
| Geoff Ellison | 9 | 4 | 29 May 2026 |
| Ann Fuller | 4 | 3 | 10 Jun 2026 |
| Bob Grugel | 24 | 2 | 2 Sep 2026 |
| Tom Swan | 24 | 2 | 2 Sep 2026 |
| Fred Waller | 4 | 2 | 11 Mar 2026 |
| Gill Evans | 18 | 1 | 2 Sep 2026 |
| Alan Cole | 5 | 1 | 2 Sep 2026 |
| Steve Hyde | 23 | 0 | 2 Sep 2026 |
| Mick Lea | 17 | 0 | 2 Sep 2026 |
| Alan Addelston | 12 | 0 | 23 Aug 2026 |
| Andrea Louise Ward | 12 | 0 | 2 Sep 2026 |
| Steve Waller | 10 | 0 | 23 Aug 2026 |
| Dave Waterson | 8 | 0 | 23 Aug 2026 |
| Ian Jones | 4 | 0 | 8 Apr 2026 |
| Tom Frattaroli | 4 | 0 | 8 Apr 2026 |
| Barry Maclure | 1 | 0 | 31 Jul 2026 |
| David Pleasant | 1 | 0 | 29 May 2026 |
| Duane Playforth | 1 | 0 | 23 Aug 2026 |
Over 70s Players
Leslie Turner
Club Chairman, FA Referee, WFA Tournament Referee, shy and retiring
Steve Hyde
England Over 70’s International Goalkeeper, also our Club Secretary
David Pleasant
8 years with the Seasiders
Tom Frattaroli
The best non striking striker to grace Heywood Sports Centre
Ian Jones
England Over 75’s International, an overlapping full back
Alan Cole
The ‘Beckenbauer’ of Blackpool Senior Seasiders, friends call him ‘hun’.
Fred Waller
1952, married 50 years next year. Lived in St Anne’s 4 years. Have two sons, 4 grandchildren. Worked as a joiner for 20, 25 years in sales, selling hardwood floors.
Steve Waller
After hanging up my boots didn’t think I’d play again until Walking Football came calling and loving it.
Alan Addelston
Been playing since about 11, signed for a couple of clubs when younger, bad injuries over a period of time especially breaks and ligaments then hips knackered at 26, but 50 years later “Senior Seasiders “😀
Mick Lea
A top local league player, coach and secretary for decades, Mickey finally found footballing fame at Blackpool Senior Seasiders, winning the Over 65 Manager’s Player of the Year Award for 2024.
Tommy Hendry
A refined and quiet gentleman (for a Scot), Tommy is building up his fitness at Recreational sessions. Strong in the tackle. Hughie and Jim provide in-game translations
Dave Waterson
Retired. Enjoys diy and gardening, trips to local pubs and walking football
Barry Maclure
Former local league player, coach and referee.
Seasiders Over 70s Latest News
Over 70s Walking Football in Blackpool
Walking football, especially for those over 70, has become one of the fastest growing sports across the UK. In Blackpool, the Fylde Coast and throughout Lancashire, more players are discovering a safe, enjoyable and social way to stay active while continuing to play the game they love.
This adapted version of football removes running and reduces physical contact, making it ideal for older players and seniors looking to maintain their fitness and mobility. The focus shifts towards passing, positioning and teamwork, allowing players to enjoy competitive matches without many of the physical demands associated with traditional football.
At Blackpool Senior Seasiders, our Over 70s team competes in organised leagues such as the Greater Manchester Walking Football League, as well as national competitions through the WFA and WFLA. These competitions bring together clubs from across Lancashire and the wider North West, creating a strong and competitive playing environment for older football players.
Walking football for over 70s in Lancashire is not just about competition. It also provides opportunities to stay fit, improve balance and mobility, and build lasting friendships through regular walking football sessions. Many players find the social side just as rewarding as the football itself, with weekly sessions helping create a strong sense of community both on and off the pitch.
If you are new to the sport, you can also learn more about what walking football is and how the game is played.
Over 70s Frequently Asked Questions
What is walking football for over 70s?
Walking football for over 70s is a slower-paced version of football designed to be safe and accessible for older players. Running is not allowed, and physical contact is limited, making it ideal for maintaining fitness while reducing injury risk.
Can you play football at 70 years old?
Yes, absolutely. Walking football is specifically designed for older adults, including those aged 70 and over. Many players continue playing well into their 70s and 80s, both recreationally and competitively.
Where can I play over 70s walking football in Blackpool?
You can join sessions with Blackpool Senior Seasiders, one of the leading walking football clubs in Lancashire. The club offers regular sessions and competitive opportunities for over 70s players.
Are there competitive leagues for over 70s walking football?
Yes, there are organised leagues and competitions for over 70s players, including regional leagues such as the Greater Manchester Walking Football League, as well as national tournaments run by organisations like the WFA and WFLA.
What are the health benefits of walking football for over 70s?
Walking football improves cardiovascular health, mobility, balance and coordination. It also provides important social benefits, helping reduce isolation and improve mental wellbeing.
Do I need football experience to join?
No experience is required. Walking football is open to all abilities, whether you are returning to the game after many years or trying it for the first time.
Is walking football safe for older players?
Yes, walking football is designed to be safe. Rules such as no running and limited contact significantly reduce the risk of injury, making it suitable for older adults.
Do I Need To Be Fit To Start Walking Football?
No. Walking football is designed for all fitness levels and many players gradually improve their fitness through regular participation.
How Often Do Over 70s Walking Football Teams Train?
Our Over 70’s players regularly take part in our two recreational sessions every week on Tuesdays and Fridays. Some also play in our Thursday night competitive training session for our Over 50’s and Over 60’s players.
What Equipment Do You Need For Walking Football?
Walking football requires very little equipment to get started. Most players simply wear comfortable sports clothing, football trainers or astro turf boots suitable for artificial pitches, and shin pads for protection during matches. Many new players begin with basic kit before deciding whether to purchase additional football clothing or equipment.
Can beginners join Blackpool Senior Seasiders?
Yes. Blackpool Senior Seasiders welcome both experienced footballers and complete beginners. Many players join after many years away from football, while others are trying the sport for the first time. Walking football is designed to be inclusive, social and enjoyable for players of all ability levels.
Is walking football good for mental health?
Walking football can have significant mental health and wellbeing benefits for older adults. Regular sessions provide social interaction, routine, exercise and a sense of community, all of which can help reduce loneliness, improve confidence and support positive mental wellbeing. Many players find the social side of walking football just as rewarding as the game itself.
Are there national walking football competitions for over 70s?
Yes. Over 70s walking football continues to grow across the UK, with many clubs now participating in regional leagues, national tournaments and cup competitions. Blackpool Senior Seasiders regularly compete in organised events through associations such as the WFA and WFLA, facing teams from across Lancashire, the North West and wider UK.