A Grassroots Success Story – How Arun Women’s Walking Football Club won WFA Team of the Year

Massive congratulations to Arun Women’s Walking Football Club (Arun WWFC) who have won the WFA National Women’s Team of the Year 2025!  This national award is recognition of Arun WWFC’s rapid development, inclusive ethos, and outstanding contribution to women’s sport in the Arun area. Georgette Budhram tells us about their success story.

Arun WWFC - The WFA's Women's Walking Football Team of 2025

Georgette explains, “We are proud to share our inspiring journey from a small group of six players to a thriving, competitive, and community‑driven club of 30 women aged 40 to 75. This is a grassroots success story built from determination.”

Initially, the small group of women wanting to play walking football joined the men’s team. However, Georgette says this rapidly changed: “After a brief spell the group made the bold decision to establish an independent club – one that would champion women’s walking football in the region.”

Arun WWFC secured support from Just Play

This enabled the club to secure essential equipment and train its first WFA referees and development has been powered by successful funding applications, including:

• £450 from AXA, enabling the purchase of gloves, shin pads, and the club’s first shirts, as well as training an additional Level 1 coach.

• Support from Chase Bank, allowing the Chair to complete a coaching qualification and strengthen the club’s long‑term coaching capacity.

• A transformative £10,500 National Lottery Community Fund grant, which subsidised pitch and tournament fees, provided full kits for all players, funded summer training equipment, and supported local advertising to raise awareness.

These investments have helped the club keep membership costs low and ensure accessibility for women from all backgrounds.

Fostering the spirit and inclusivity of walking football

Arun WWFC prides itself on being a place where women can learn new skills, compete, make friends, and rebuild confidence. “We have created a space where women can grow, compete, laugh, recover, and feel part of something special. Our story shows what’s possible when determination meets community support.”

Arun WWFC also celebrates sporting achievement. One player has been selected for the Sussex Regional Squad and the club has ambitions to see more follow in 2026.

With three qualified WFA referees, four Level 1 coaches, and a membership that spans three decades of age, Arun WWFC has become a beacon of empowerment, resilience, and community spirit.

Congratulations once again Arun WWFC, you are game-changing inspirations!