Abbeymead Rovers Walking Football receives £2,500 boost from Grassroots Neighbourhood Fund

The funding, awarded by Cllr Andrew Gravells, county councillor for the local area, will be used to secure additional pitch time, enabling the group to expand its weekly sessions and welcome more players after reaching full capacity.

Abbeymead Rovers Walking Football is a successful community led group that offers fun, safe and inclusive walking football sessions for people of all abilities. The group provides regular opportunities for physical activity alongside vital social connection, helping players to stay active, build confidence and feel part of a supportive community.

The sessions are designed so that no one is judged and everyone is accepted and valued, and the group continues to grow in numbers week by week. For many players and their families, it has become much more than a walking football session and is a genuine support network.

The project is entirely run by volunteers and promotes active ageing in a fun and safe environment, recognising that regular movement, social interaction and enjoyment are essential for wellbeing.

Weekly sessions include:

• Inclusive walking football activity for people living with long term health conditions
• Opportunities for social connection and peer support
• A welcoming, safe environment for players of all abilities

Cllr Paul Hodgkinson, cabinet member public health, communities and fire at Gloucestershire County Council said: “Projects like Abbeymead Rovers Walking Football show the real value of community‑led activity. They create welcoming spaces where people can stay active, build confidence and feel connected to others, regardless of age or health conditions.

“The Grassroots Neighbourhood Fund is designed to support exactly this kind of local initiative, helping groups grow, reach more people and strengthen wellbeing in their communities.”

Cllr Andrew Gravells, county councillor for Abbey division of Gloucester said: “I’m delighted to support Abbeymead Rovers Walking Football with this funding. This is a truly outstanding community group that makes a real difference to people’s health and wellbeing. The sessions offer much more than physical activity – they provide friendship, confidence and support for players and their families. This grant will help the group grow and ensure even more people can benefit from what they offer.”

The Grassroots Neighbourhood Fund gives each of the county’s 55 councillors up to £20,000 to invest in local projects that improve health, wellbeing and community resilience. Grants between £250 and £5,000 are available for initiatives that address local needs, tackle inequalities and help communities to thrive.

For more information about the Grassroots Neighbourhood Fund, visit: Grassroots Neighbourhood Fund. Watch a short video of the project here.