A Sussex female football coach has won a national sports award for promoting walking football among women over 40.
Vanessa Hood started Brighton and Hove Social ball in 2022 with just a few players, it has now expanded to a community of over 50 women.
The Walking Football Association hailed Vanessa as a "lynchpin" in growing participation in the sport as they announced the Grassroots Award winners.
Vanessa said: “I feel so humbled to receive this award. Socialball prides itself in encouraging all women to join in.
“This award is as much for the members of the club as it is for me. We like to play well and improve our game, but the most important thing is everyone has fun and enjoys the wonderful game of football.
“As Socialball has a ‘people first’ approach, we actively encourage social activities off the pitch which increases confidence and friendship bonds.”
Socialball runs two sessions per week at Portslade Leisure Centre; on Monday evenings and Friday lunchtimes.
Since starting the group, teams from the club have taken part in tournaments across the South Coast, Wales and as far afield as Portugal. The club sends at least two teams to the monthly Southern Combination Walking Football League tournament, which is attended by women’s teams from across the South.
Like many Socialball members, Vanessa, 51, didn’t have the opportunity to play at school, and only started playing football, as a team sport, later in life.
She said: “As a child, I loved football and used to play with my dad in the garden. Like many women of my generation, I couldn’t play at secondary school or with a local club. I’m so pleased it’s different for girls now. Playing walking football, allows women of my age to make up for lost time.”
Brighton and Hove Socialball welcomes new members. Players range in age from 40 to late 60s.
If you would like to take part, you can find us on Facebook as “Socialball Walking Football” or email socialballwomen@gmail.com
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