Player Story: Lisa Shepherd

Discovering walking football after surgery only a few months ago, Lisa Shepherd has already achieved so much in the sport. From becoming a key member of Stokesley WFC to earning success at regional trials, her journey is one of determination and resilience.

I discovered walking football a few months ago when I was looking for a way to stay active without putting too much strain on my body. Like many people, I missed the social side of team sport but felt that traditional football was no longer the right fit after having a half knee replacement in September 2025. When I first heard about walking football, I was curious – could it really capture the same excitement and camaraderie while being more accessible? After my first session, just eight weeks post-operation, I was hooked.

I currently play for Stokesley Walking Football Club and recently attended a trial for the North East Women’s Walking Football team. I’m proud to say I was offered a place, which of course I accepted. From the very beginning, the atmosphere in walking football has been welcoming and supportive. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve played football your whole life or are completely new to the game – everyone is encouraged to get involved and enjoy themselves.

Walking football has had a huge impact on both my physical and mental health.

Physically, it keeps me active, improves my fitness, and helps maintain mobility following my surgery. Just as importantly, it gives me a reason to get out regularly and stay motivated. Mentally, it has been incredibly beneficial too. The sessions provide a great way to clear your head, reduce stress, and focus on something positive. There’s always plenty of laughter along the way, which makes a big difference.

One of the best aspects of walking football is the community. Through playing, I’ve met so many like-minded people who share the same passion for the game. Many of us might never have met otherwise, but the sport brings us together. The friendships and connections formed on and off the pitch are just as valuable as the football itself, and being part of that community is something really special.

One of my most memorable moments so far was taking part in the North East Women’s Walking Football trial.

I was up against 27 other women from across the region, all with different levels of experience. Being selected from that group was a proud moment and reminded me why I love the sport.

Looking ahead, I’d love to see walking football continue to grow, especially for women. The sport has so much to offer, but there’s still work to do to raise awareness and create more opportunities for women to get involved. More teams, leagues, and development pathways would help the game reach even more people, and it would be fantastic to see women’s walking football gain the recognition it deserves.

My ambition is simple:

To keep playing, keep improving, and help encourage others to give walking football a try. Whether someone wants to play competitively or just come along for fun and fitness, there’s a place for everyone.

If you’re thinking about trying walking football, my advice is simple – give it a go. You might just find a new passion, a supportive community, and a sport that keeps you active for years to come.

Follow Lisa's and her team mates at Stokesley WFC on Facebook