Walking football, a slower-paced, low‑impact version of the game where running is not allowed, is growing in popularity across Birmingham, offering a welcoming and accessible way for people to stay active, meet new people and reconnect with the sport they love. One of the people helping drive that growth is Chantel Hunter, Community Programmes Manager at the Birmingham City Football Club Foundation.
A former player herself, Hunter was introduced to walking football through a friend and quickly saw how valuable it could be for people looking for a gentler, more inclusive route back into football.
A welcoming way back into the game
“Socially, you’re getting out and about, feeling and being active and that has a knock-on effect on your mental health,” says Hunter. “It brings people back who haven’t played for all sorts of reasons, whether financial, travel or family commitments.”
Hunter spent two decades playing for Solihull‑based Leafield Athletic but work and family responsibilities meant stepping back from competitive football. Walking football offered a new way to stay involved and inspired her to bring the format into the Foundation’s programmes across the city.
Today, the sessions are helping people of all ages and backgrounds return to football in a supportive, low‑impact environment.
Coral’s support is helping the programme grow
Funding has historically limited how quickly sessions could expand. That’s now changing thanks to Coral’s support as Birmingham City’s Official UK Betting Partner.
For the 2025/26 season, Coral is donating £500 to the Foundation for every home goal scored by the Men’s and Women’s teams at St Andrew’s, providing direct funding for community health initiatives, including walking football.
“The financial support from Coral for every goal scored by the men and the women, has enabled us to put plans in place to start moving forward across the city. Whether that be to further training or education, back into employment, or upskilling them, or if they just want to come because of the health benefits and the social benefits.”
This approach forms part of Coral’s broader commitment, as part of Entain, to support grassroots sport and reduce barriers to participation.
Looking ahead
With Coral’s ongoing support, walking football is set to reach even more communities across Birmingham. Hunter and her team plan to continue expanding sessions, ensuring people have accessible, enjoyable ways to stay active and reconnect with football on their own terms.
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