TRAINING
The training sessions for both the Men’s and Women’s squads follow the same format – warm-up, skills, and game time. And, in line with the club’s ethos, safety and well-being are paramount.
Men’s squad training occurs on Monday evenings. It takes place on the excellent Astroturf pitches at Stanway School, Winstree Rd, Colchester, Essex, CO3 0QA. The session runs from 5:00 – 7:30 pm. Directions can be found at what3words: feed.panel.export.
Our women’s squad trains on Wednesday evenings. Sessions are held at Stanway Rovers Football Club, 50 New Farm Road, Colchester, Essex, CO3 0PG. Training times are between 7.00 – 8.30. what3words: supper.lions.coffee. Our parent club has an Astroturf pitch, commonly referred to as The Cage. Please arrive at The Cage by 6.55.
Players who get there early set up the pitch with markers and position the goals. There is also a dedicated training area behind one of the goals. We begin with a compulsory 15-20 minute warm up. This is part of the club’s welfare policy to mitigate risk and injury. We then have a 30-minute skills session and the rest of the evening is dedicated to playing.
The onus when training is to prevent running, often referred to as ‘not walking’. During competitive matches, referees are normally quite strict. Repeated ‘not walking’ offence are counted. When a team commits a specified number of offences, usually 3 or 4, a penalty is awarded to the opposition. This has cost us in the past where we have lost games from this type of offence.
Teams in training will be selected on random criteria. Sometimes they will be in age groups. Other times, they will be across all age groups. Selection may even be at the whim of the organiser! They will normally be 6 or 7 a side. There is a maximum of three touches and no contact to mimic the rules of a competitive game. Occasionally we will allow tackling from the front, as this is allowed in some competitions.
Safety and well-being is paramount at all times. To support this, we have a comprehensive medical/first aid kit. We also have a defibrillator. Additionally, trained first-aid personnel are available should the need arise.
We are also fortunate to have a small group of players who have taken an FA Walking Football referees course. When we play competitive or friendly matches, we are often required to offer a referee. Our training sessions are also for this group to hone their skills.
As an inclusive club, ideally, both the men and the women would train together. Yet, due to the scarcity of available training venues, this is not possible at the moment.
The cost is £6 per person for a 2 hour of Walking Football training session.
EQUIPMENT
Players are expected to supply their own clothing suitable for training. Most importantly, they must bring footwear appropriate for the Astroturf surfaces at both venues. This means Astroturf or firm ground football boots. Training bibs will be provided. Blades & metal studded boots are not allowed.
For Friendlies and Tournaments, the club provides a football kit consisting of shirt, shorts, and socks. These items remain the property of the club. They are loaned at no cost to the player. The player should ensure they are washed and ironed when in possession and return them to the club when requested. Players are mandated to wear appropriate shinpads for both training and competitive games.
The club also owns various items of equipment. These include footballs, cones, space markers, and bibs. The club also owns first aid materials. Again, these remain the property of the club. They must be made available whenever the club requests.
SAFE, INCLUSIVE, FUN WALKING FOOTBALL
Stanway Rovers Walking Football Club 