Why have Rep teams?
Why Have EWFL Representative Sides?
As we all know the essential elements of grassroots football are the relationships, the team spirit and the fun, with some casual opportunities thrown in, so that we are able to enjoy the beautiful game no matter what our age. As participants we will always have the desire to strive for greatness.
There are now many other walking football teams and walking football leagues in the UK and a great opportunity awaits us. The League has therefore decided to form three Essex Walking Football League Representative sides: an over 50’s; an over 60’s; an over 65’s; an over 70s, so that we can test Essex’s best against other walking football leagues. Unless agreed otherwise all matches will be played under the Essex Walking Football League rules. These are based on the FA’s original LOTG template and our competition rules have been adjusted to ensure that physical contact is not made in order to win the ball or gain an advantage without taking the ball cleanly and thereby ensuring all game play is fair.
So does this mean there’s representative football for everyone? There is now! So let us not ignore what is now the fastest growing sport in the UK….walking football!
What are the benefits of playing representative football? – As a player, playing representative football for your League or your County allows you to test your ability against some of the best walking football players from other Leagues or Counties during the year. It is a great honour to play in a team, which represents your League or County. Some of us remember what it felt like when we were younger!
How would the players be selected for the teams? – Dependent on the level of interest, players would be picked through Clubs being asked to refer players for selection. All EWFL clubs/teams must be affiliated to their local FA.
How would these teams be funded? – We would hope that such an initiative would eventually have the backing of the County FA but we are currently seeking other partnerships and sponsorships to cover our costs, kits and equipment etc.
How would you promote or advertise fixtures? – All match details could be posted on this website and via the use of other social media sites.
Why have an Essex Walking Football League Representative Team? – Because you’re never too old to play football!
Get to Know About Rep Football
The Essex Walking Football League (EWFL) have Representative sides at over 50s, over 60s, over 65s, and over 70s.
The players who represent the EWFL are drawn from the very best players who play for clubs who participate in the league and league cup competitions.
Representative football is more prevalent during the EWFL closed season as it is very hard to get players together with league, cup, and outside club tournaments taking place during the season/summer months.
At the over 60s, over 65s and over 70s age groups the League are lucky to have week day sessions at two excellent facilities that are Billericay FC and Heybridge Swifts FC. Meanwhile the over 50s sessions are held on Saturdays at Melbourne Park, Chelmsford.