1. Introduction
The Walking Football Association (WFA) published its 5-Year Strategy for 2024–2028 following approval by the Board in January 2024 and adoption by members at the Annual General Meeting in February 2024.
Since publication, participation in Walking Football has continued to grow across England, alongside increased demand for structured competitions, qualified referees, and consistent national standards. In response to this continued growth, the WFA has produced this 2026 National Development Framework update, which provides additional context to the existing strategy and sets out how national development priorities will be delivered in practice.
This document does not replace the existing strategy. Instead, it clarifies the national development context in which the strategy is being implemented and explains how infrastructure, workforce development and regional delivery will support sustainable long-term participation growth.
2. Strategic Context – National Development
Walking football has developed rapidly as a safe, inclusive and accessible form of physical activity for adults, particularly men aged 50+ and women aged 40+, including many people living with long-term health conditions.
Participation growth has been driven by community demand, with clubs and leagues expanding organically. As the sport grows, the WFA aims to support participation by developing national infrastructure for safety, consistency and sustainability.
Walking football in England now needs a sustainable national infrastructure to support continued safe, inclusive growth.
The WFA’s role as the senior national governing body in England is to guide and support this growth through:
- consistent rules and standards,
- development of referees and coaches,
- regional delivery structures,
- governance and safeguarding,
- and clear pathways for participation at all levels.
National development activity, including regional referee development hubs, workforce training initiatives, and the establishment of regional centres, delivers the existing strategy and supports wider national priorities to reduce inactivity, improve health, and strengthen community connections through sport.
3. Walking Football in England – Current Position
Walking football now provides opportunities for thousands of participants across England through:
- affiliated clubs and leagues operating nationally,
- WFA national competitions, including the National Cup,
- the WFA Referees Academy and qualified officiating pathway,
- impairment and health-focused participation programmes,
- women’s Walking Football development,
- International representation through England Walking Football teams.
The continued expansion of participation has highlighted the need to strengthen the workforce and delivery infrastructure to ensure the sport develops safely and consistently.
4. National Development Approach
The WFA’s development approach recognises that participation growth, workforce development and infrastructure must progress together.
Participation Growth
- Increased demand from older adults returning to activity.
- Growth among women and underrepresented groups
- Participation by people living with long-term health conditions
- Expansion of clubs and competitions
Infrastructure & Workforce
- Regional centres and development hubs
- Referee education and mentoring pathways
- Coaching and officiating standards
- Governance and safeguarding frameworks
Outcomes
- Increased opportunities to participate regularly
- Safer and more consistent playing environments
- Improved retention of participants
- Enhanced well-being and social connection
- Sustainable long-term growth of the sport
5. Delivery and Future Development
The WFA will continue to deliver its strategy through nationally coordinated, yet regionally embedded initiatives that strengthen participation, workforce capacity, and infrastructure.
This National Development Framework invites clubs, partners, stakeholders, and funding bodies to collaborate actively on projects and programmes that contribute to the long-term development of Walking Football in England.