Walking football is transforming the way older adults and people with long-term health conditions stay active—and few clubs embody its benefits better than the Sleaford Snails Walking Football Club. Based at Better Gym Sleaford, the Snails have become a shining example of how accessible sport can boost physical health, mental wellbeing, and community spirit.
The club has recently won the Contribution to Health & Wellbeing award at the NK Community Champion Awards, and was a finalist for the Active Club Award at the Lincolnshire Sport & Physical Activity Awards 2025.
Making Movement Possible for Everyone
Founded in 2017 and re-started after the pandemic with a renewed focus on inclusivity, the Sleaford Snails welcome men aged 45+, and women aged 35+, with most players aged 55 and over. Today, the club runs three weekly sessions, attracting more than 70 regular participants.
What makes the Snails remarkable is their commitment to supporting people with a wide range of health conditions. Members include adults living with Parkinson’s disease, MS, cancer, heart conditions, arthritis, as well as those managing confidence, fitness or weight-related challenges. The club’s chairman, Steve Spick, continues to play while living with Parkinson’s—an inspiring reminder that sport truly is for everyone.
Sessions are relaxed, friendly, and judgement-free. Skill level doesn’t matter. The focus is simple: fun, fitness and friendship.
Physical and Mental Health Benefits
Walking football offers a safe, low-impact way to stay active. Many Snails members notice improvements in stamina, mobility and overall fitness within weeks of joining. The controlled pace reduces injury risk, while still offering a great cardiovascular workout.
But its benefits go far beyond the pitch, as Bill Eaton from the club says:
A hallmark of the club’s culture is its strong social focus. Every session concludes with a shared tea or coffee, giving members the chance to connect, chat, and build lasting friendships. This simple tradition significantly enhances the club’s mental health benefits, helping to reduce loneliness and foster a deep sense of belonging.
Every session ends with a cuppa and a chat—an important ritual that helps tackle loneliness, builds friendships and boosts mental wellbeing. For many members, this social time is just as valuable as the football itself.
A Club Built on Kindness and Community
The Snails operate as a not-for-profit, self-supporting club, charging as little as £2.70 per session. In return, players receive a warm welcome and a huge amount of support. The club provides free kits, rain jackets, caps and bags, and even funds training for referees.
Everyone plays a part in running the club—washing bibs, organising teams, preparing fruit and water, or setting up the post-match coffee. This shared ownership helps create a truly supportive and welcoming environment.
The club also gives back to the local community, donating at least 10% of annual net income to charity. Beneficiaries include Parkinson’s UK, Sleaford Laffletics, and the Sleaford Foodbank. Over the past 18 months, members have raised over £1,000 through events such as their Christmas collection and summer BBQ.
Creating Opportunities and Building Confidence
The Snails pride themselves on being welcoming and non-competitive—yet they often win their friendly matches! More importantly, they prioritise encouragement over results, ensuring new players feel valued and supported as their skills grow.
For many members, walking football has sparked new confidence and a renewed sense of purpose. The club presents regular awards, including at their annual Christmas celebration, giving players a chance to be recognised.
As Bill Eaton says:
There is a great deal of satisfaction and sense of achievement in presenting an award to a player who has never won anything in their lives before. The increase in self-worth is immeasurable.
The Snails have even taken their message international, travelling to Greece for friendly matches with other walking football teams. These trips celebrate cultural exchange, friendship, and the idea that age should never be a barrier to staying active.
Hear more about the club in this video filmed for the Lincolnshire Sport & Physical Activity Awards.
A Model for Active Ageing
The Sleaford Snails Walking Football Club is much more than a sports club—it’s a lifeline, a community, and a testament to the power of inclusive activity. By helping older adults and those with health conditions move more, feel better, and stay connected, the Snails are truly making a difference.
Get Involved
Discover more about Sleaford Snails Walking Football Club on their players facebook group.
Find out more about Walking Football on our Try Something Different Page, or search for activities near you on our Activity Finder.