Story added: 1st June 2022
Steve has been a keen footballer his whole life.
After retiring, Steve got involved in Veterans football, but the demands of a regular, high-paced game combined with knee cartilage injuries, left him questioning his footballing future.
In addition to playing, Steve also took up a coaching role for a local football team. It was here where he met his now friend, David Frosdick – who was a participant of our Walking Football programme.
“He invited me to attend a session and after one I was hooked!”, Steve told us.
Since that first session, Steve has been a regular attendee of the Walking Football programme, joining each of the three sessions available during the week – on Monday and Wednesday evenings, and Tuesday mornings.
His progression within the programme has also seen him become involved with the Over 50s team – who play regular fixtures in both a league system and the Walking Football Association (WFA) National Cup.
“The quality of provision through the coaches and awesome facilities at Carrow Park and The Nest have given us a platform to train regularly, and to a good level, whilst making a lot of new friends”.
Each participant, whether they’re new or seasoned, casual or competitive, has their own individual goals and objectives when participating in Walking Football. For Steve, his priorities are to, “maintain fitness and make and renew friendships, whilst travelling across the country and abroad representing the Foundation”.
The Walking Football team represent the Foundation in numerous cups and leagues throughout the year, which includes the Essex and Peterborough Walking Football leagues. This season saw the Over 50s and Over 60s crowned champions of their respective divisions.
Steve has also been lucky enough to travel to Salou in Spain with the Foundation’s competitive sides, claiming victory in one of these tournaments abroad.
“The experience and camaraderie really brought the players together, to the point where they’re now friends and not just teammates.”
To find out more about the programme, click: Walking Football.
"After one session I was hooked!"
Steve Blackett
Walking Football participant
9th April 2024
This summer, the EFL, EFL Trust and their network Club Community Organisations have partnered with Kellogg’s to launch the Kellogg’s Football Camps.
21st March 2024
Fourteen-year-old Isabella originally joined our PAN-disability football programme in an attempt to help her improve her anxiety and regular physical outbursts.
15th March 2024
For International Women's Day 2024, we hosted a special event at The Nest for girls from local schools.
13th March 2024
We are looking for aspiring coaches to help us deliver a variety of different sessions across Norfolk.
When you donate a little each month, you will be helping to transform the lives of local people of all ages who need our support – giving them the opportunity to connect with others like them, feel happier and healthier in themselves, and raise their aspirations.
We have Soccer Schools running at venues across Norfolk & Suffolk, and whether participants are new to football, or are already a budding Canary superstar, the Soccer Schools programme has been put together to provide a fun, holiday activity at an affordable price.
As Norwich City Football Club's official charity partner, we help thousands of people every year achieve their goals through sport, supporting some of the most disadvantaged, disabled and talented people across Norfolk. Our vision is to support, inspire, and improve our community.
Keep up-to-date with the latest news from the Foundation
