There was a thrilling conclusion to the inaugural South Downs Leisure Walking Football league, with the winners decided in a tense and tight game at Worthing Leisure Centre’s 3G Football Centre.
Over the last two months teams from all across Sussex have competed in the maiden league competition and Brighton Dolphins, who ended the campaign unbeaten, were named the proud trophy winners on Monday 4th July.
The penultimate game of the season between Brighton Dolphins and Lancing Wanderers turned out to be the title decider. Lancing took a 1 nil lead with a well taken goal, but it was not enough as Brighton Dolphins fought back to level the scores. At 1-1 it could have gone either way, but Brighton made the breakthrough in the last minute of the game and went on to take all the points with a 2-1 win and subsequently the title with a game to spare.
Manager and captain of Brighton Dolphins, Jobe Berrington, went on to say:
“Whilst we have lifted the trophy today, I want to say well done to all the teams involved. It has been great fun to play you all and it is a highly competitive league. Everyone has played with enjoyment and there’s always been top banter. Winning the title just makes it even more enjoyable!”
Jason Hughes, Head Walking Football Coach at South Downs Leisure, was excited to see the inaugural league competition come to a close in such a dramatic way, and is already planning for next season:
“With so many teams across the county involved, it has proved a very popular and sensible move to create the new league; the quality of the teams, and of course the eventual winners, has shown throughout the competition. The success of this league means we are already planning the next tournament in August and the next league competition in September, which shows our dedication to our resident teams and the wider Walking Football community. Hopefully we can draw in even more teams for future competitions”.
The sport is growing in popularity at a huge rate and the walking version of the game, as the name suggests, is slower-paced and suited to those who may have reduced mobility.
Walking football is changing people’s lives and giving people of a certain age or ability their ‘Beautiful Game’ back. It’s not too late to get involved, as you can still enter teams for the next tournament or league. If you would like to know more about the game or future competitions, then visit: www.southdownsleisure.co.uk, drop in to Worthing Leisure Centre, or call 01903 905050 (option 2), where you can also register teams or book yourself a 3G pitch.
