Hawkwell Athletic Walking Football Club, based in Hockley, is a well-known community club that caters to football enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. Established in 2016, the club has grown from humble beginnings with just a few players to now having over 80 members, including a successful and established ladies team known as Hawkwell Ladies Walking Football Club.
The club's philosophy is centred around having fun and getting fit at the same time. They prioritise creating a closely-knit social hub where members can not only enjoy playing football but also forge new friendships. With close ties to other local Essex clubs, Hawkwell Athletic Walking Football Club is a key player in the Southend area's football community.
Walking Football is the main focus of the club. It is a variant of small-sided football that is played at a relatively fast pace. The game has simple rules designed to ensure the safety of all players. One key aspect is that players must always have one foot on the ground.
There is no offside rule, and free kicks are always indirect. Dangerous tackling is strictly forbidden, and players are expected to respect the referee's decisions.
Training sessions are held regularly, catering to both men and women. The men's training session takes place on Saturday mornings, while the women's session occurs on Tuesdays. The club also plans to introduce a Sunday afternoon training session for the ladies in the near future. The sessions typically involve warm-up exercises and stretching, followed by round-robin matches between members.
Teams range from 5 to 9 players, and multiple teams can participate simultaneously.
Hawkwell Athletic Walking Football Club's influence extends across various locations in South East Essex. They cover areas such as Southend, Hawkwell, Eastwood, Rochford, Rayleigh, Benfleet, Westcliff, Leigh, Thorpe Bay, Canvey, Hadleigh, Shoebury, and Wakering. Additionally, the club even attracts players and members from East London.
Besides playing matches at their home ground, the club frequently participates in competitions, festivals, and friendly matches both locally and away. These events provide opportunities for members to enjoy the game under the sun, followed by social activities such as sharing a beer or indulging in a cream tea.
While the fitness aspect of walking football is important, with the club often receiving referrals from Southend Hospital and MacMillan, the primary focus is on ensuring an enjoyable experience for all participants. Walking football is a relatively safe sport that can be enjoyed by individuals of all ages and skill levels. The club welcomes and trains players with little to no football experience, teaching essential skills like dribbling and tactical awareness. The inclusive approach ensures that all players are treated equally, regardless of their ability.
Hawkwell Athletic Walking Football Club is proud to have the support of various sponsors, supporters, and associations, including Essex FA and FA. They remain dedicated to providing a community football experience that is inclusive and enjoyable for everyone involved.
Note: This description is written in New Zealand English and is formatted into clear paragraphs for ease of reading in the “About” section of social media platforms and club directories.