Spectators and supporters are encouraged to turn out in force
A walking football tournament being held in Hull will help to raise the profile of the game, encourage new players and fundraise for a notable figure in the sport now living with MND. The event, on Friday, January 9, is being organised by Cottingham Rangers Walking Football (WF) in conjunction with East Riding County WF.
The Cottingham mixed ability club, for players aged over 50, usually meets on Wednesdays and Fridays at 11am at the University of Hull sports ground’s Astro pitches, Inglemire Lane. On the morning of January 9, however, the regular session will be taken up by the tournament that is to feature more than 70 players.
Steve Cliff, a member of Cottingham Rangers WF, said: “We’re doing a fundraiser for an ex-England goalkeeper in walking football, Paul Hartley, who unfortunately has MND. Paul has been a footballer in Hull at a good level for years.
“He played for the East Riding and also England, a very good goalie. I’m asking all the walking football families across the Hull and East Riding area to attend our charity tournament and support Paul who, even with his issues, will be aiming to attend on the day – I’m sure Paul and his family would love to see everyone there.”
Kick-off is due to be at 10.30am. Five teams will be competing – Cottingham Rangers A; Cottingham Rangers Select; East Riding; Hornsea and Ferriby/ Hessle.
Steve said: “This will be a great tournament, with some first-class players. If anyone wants to see how the game is played and is even at some point thinking about joining our clubs, they are very welcome to come along – and they may wish to donate on the day to the fund for Paul as well, a fantastic cause.”
Steve said of Cottingham Rangers WF: “We are massive now – and growing every week. We’re all about positive mental health and wellbeing.
“Walking football is a family and we will always try to help each other out.” WF fundraising achievements locally since 2023 have seen almost £8,000 donated to support various causes, including Alzheimer’s and dementia; Candlelighters; the Kevin Sinfield MND walk and Hornsea Inshore Rescue.
Steve said: “We donated £1,077 to Roux’s Army [the charity was inspired by Hessle boy Roux Owen, who was born with a brain tumour] and we also donated £500 to Steve Leake, one of our walking football players who has played for Hessle and has a tumour on the brain.
“Now Paul is the subject of our latest fundraiser.” Appearing for clubs such as North Ferriby WF and East Riding County WF, Paul’s playing achievements have included travelling as the support goalkeeper for the England 60+ team in the IWFF World Championships and other international tournaments.
Cottingham Rangers AFC formed its first walking football team in the summer of 2015. The team squad comprises around 50 players, the oldest of whom is 80, and ranges from complete beginners to more experienced footballers.
The first meeting of the club after the Christmas break will be on Friday, January 2, with another regular session on Wednesday, January 7, ahead of the tournament on the 9th. Cottingham Rangers WF offers opportunities for some competitive matches locally and further afield, including the occasional competition abroad.