Neville Townsend is Chair of Norwich Soca Seniors Walking Football Club, which boasts several England players. Here, Neville shares the story of the club which is thinking of introducing an over-80s team!
Who are you and what is your role?
My name is Neville Townsend, and I am the Chairman of Norwich Soca Seniors Walking Football Club. I joined the club in 2016 and assumed the role of Chairman in October 2021.
Can you provide some background on Norwich Soca Seniors?
Norwich Soca Seniors was established in 2014 by a small group of players, some of whom remain active members today. What began as a single weekly session has grown steadily through word of mouth. The club is supported by a dedicated committee, team managers, referees, and volunteers who manage off-field activities, helping to ensure success both on and off the pitch.
How large is the club, and what successes has it achieved?
As of April 2026, the club has 175 members. Our on-field success has increased year on year, with 2025 being our most successful season, yielding fourteen trophies. Highlights include our Over-50s winning the FA Walking Football Cup at St George’s Park in 2025 and our Over-70s securing the WFA National Cup in both 2020 and 2021.
What age groups do you cater for?
We currently field teams in the Over-50s, 60s, 65s, 70s and 75s categories. Our oldest player is 82, and we anticipate introducing an Over-80s squad in the near future. We regularly compete in tournaments across the UK and abroad, including events in Italy, France and Spain.
What are the key benefits of walking football?
Walking football offers significant physical and mental health benefits. It helps players remain active, maintain fitness, and enjoy regular structured sport. Equally important is the social aspect – our members benefit from regular social events, including lunches, sports clubs, Padel tennis, Pickleball, Golf and our own band, informal gatherings after sessions, which foster camaraderie and wellbeing.
Where do sessions take place, and how can people join?
We train four times a week at the FDC in Bowthorpe, averaging around 130 participants weekly. Sessions typically consist of three 30-minute games across multiple pitches. Prospective members can visit norwichsocaseniors.com and complete the membership enquiry form, after which an induction will be arranged.
What are your long-term ambitions for the club?
Our aim is to grow the club beyond 200 members and expand sessions to run Monday through Friday. We also hope to establish a women’s section and continue hosting tournaments that raise funds for charity – our summer tournament alone has raised over £25,000 to date.
England member quotes:
Richard Tasker
I started playing walking football to rekindle my love for the game, stay fit in retirement but most importantly to socialise and aid mental health. Norwich Soca Seniors has helped me achieve all this and more, notably playing for England 65s and introducing me to a wonderful group of like-minded friends.
Raymond DeKeyzer
Having played regular football from a very young age, walking football gave me the opportunity to continue making new friends, whilst enjoying the competition and exercise that encompasses this sport.
Kevin Edwards
I was initially drawn into Walking Football thanks to my wife (she may regret it now), as I was about to retire from work, she spotted an advert for walking football at the Nest. It was there I met three players from NSS who persuaded me to join them for a session at the FDC. Once I started playing at NSS, I quickly found friendship, camaraderie and competitiveness and have not looked back since – long may it continue.
Featured image of Chair Neville Townsend, and all other images – supplied
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