Player Story: Lorraine 'Robbo' Robinson - I used my school books as shin pads.
Lorraine Robinson is a pioneer in the women's game, having played 11-a-side for Aston Villa and Birmingham City. Here she shares her journey into being a UEFA coach, winning promotion, gaining an England call up and the new lease of life walking football has given her.
I started playing football at the age of 10 with the local lads in my street. I was always the last to get picked, which I wasn’t happy about as I was better than a couple of the boys there, but hey, no one wanted a girl on their side. In them days, I used my school books as shin pads. We didn’t have a lot of money in them days but we always had love. I am the baby of nine children so I was spoilt, not with gifts or money, but getting away with my household chores - which meant more football time for me.
I had the pleasure of playing for Aston Villa for 15 years, started off as striker and finished playing with Villa as a centre half. I also played for Birmingham City as a striker for a couple of seasons. I passed my UEFA B badge 23 years ago. I hung my boots up many of times in my forties but it would only last a week. I was head hunted by a man called Dennis Hearn, who was the manager of Leafield Athletic. He had been in the same league for many years and could not get out of it. He asked me to be a player coach. I was now 41. I agreed and in the first season we won the league undefeated. I finally hung my boots up at 48 years old with tears. Then while I was on holiday, I had a phone call from a ex-Villa player - Dee Reade - telling me about trials for England Walking football. I seriously thought she was mugging me off and that’s putting it politely! I went to the trials and got into the over-50 squad at the age of 56. That is where I currently am at the moment aged 64.
My most memorable day in football was leading the over-40s squad as their coach to winning the first ever World Cup 2025 in week one. Week two 2025 World Cup - it was my turn with the over-50s squad. We got all the way to the finals and lost on pens. I got top goal scorer and player of the tournament for the over-50s but that meant nothing to me as my teammates were hurting just as much as me. I would’ve swapped both of my trophies to have won the World Cup.
My music has always been Bob Marley. He’s a free spirit, that’s how I like to play my football. Walking football has given me a whole lease of life. As well as friends from different parts of the world and of course our famous country England.
I play for Birmingham City Walking football and these players are like my family as well as the England squad. My granddaughter now plays as well for Boldmere Falcons under-15s. I love watching her on a Saturday morning. My message to any women who want to start playing again or just take up the sport is “go for it”. The game has helped me mentally as well as physically. I have met some beautiful people. Age is just a number you can play for fun, fitness, or England if you work hard at it. Thank you Walking Football for my new lease of life.
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