Quakers Win Inaugural Women's Over-35s Cup
The first-ever Women’s Over 35 competition in Cumbria took place at Penrith AFC on Sunday 8 September, with almost 80 women involved in The Nat Broad Physiotherapy Over-35s Cup!
18 months in the making, the competition was the next step for women aged 35 and over to play with and against players closer to their own age. Often seen as the ‘lost’ generation to football, the Over-35 Turn Up and Play sessions delivered across Cumberland since March 2023 have given more than 150 women an opportunity to try football for the first time, in a long time, or in an all-female environment. Thanks to the enthusiasm and dedication from women involved over the past 18 months, football for this age group has become the norm and not something that is only dreamed of!
Helen Aitchison, Football Development Officer at Cumberland FA, said: “The sessions have created a fun and friendly environment for a kick about across the county. We have seen the confidence of the women grow since we began the sessions and it is fantastic to see these players keen to take the next steps in their football journey.”
10 teams entered the inaugural Nat Broad Physiotherapy Over-35s Cup with squads of women from across the county entering. The starting line-up of teams consisted of groups of friends, a couple of Walking Football teams (the first two ever affiliated in Cumberland), squads built from England Football Just Play Centres, with Cumbria Fire also represented.
In keeping with the Men’s Over-35 rules, each squad of eight was able to bring along a youngster (under-35) to play in goal; with four teams taking up this offer.
Team entries came from St Joseph’s Ladies, Carlisle Ladies WF, Cumbria Fire, KLFC Revival, The Quakers, Westmorland Red, Westmorland White, Grange United, Calthwaite Women and Mature Mavericks.
More about the Teams
Affiliated Walking Football teams St Joseph’s Ladies (Workington) and Carlisle-based Carlisle Ladies WF run weekly sessions on Friday evenings for women aged 35+.
Penrith based Calthwaite Women have been formed from a Just Play Centre and have a kickabout every Friday.
Westmorland Red and Westmorland White came along from the Westmorland FA Just Play Centre who play every other Friday
Mature Mavericks (West Cumbria) are a group who of friends who have played football previously and have been attending the West based Just Play Centres.
KLFC Revival were made up of some of the former Keswick FC team who used to play in the Cumberland FA Women’s League. It was fantastic to see them reform for the competition, and we hope to see them back for good!
A number of the Cumbria Fire players are part of the Calthwaite Just Play Centre and represented the Fire Service.
It was also wonderful to welcome The Quakers and Grange United, more teams who have a social kick around and wanted to play against other women their own age!
The Nat Broad Physiotherapy Over-35s Cup
The teams took over Penrith AFC on Sunday 8 September 2024 and couldn’t wait to get on the pitch! The teams were randomly split into two groups with the top two then going onto the semi-finals. Each team played four group games before the knock-out stages.
In the first semi-final, Quakers defeated Mature Mavericks to set up the final showdown with Calthwaite Women, after they beat KLFC Revival!
The final was an entertaining one in the rain, with both teams having chances. However, extra-time was needed, in part thanks to both goalkeepers for pulling off some great saves! With it still goalless after extra-time, The Quakers were crowned champions after winning a thrilling penalty shootout which went to sudden death!
The inaugural Nat Broad Physiotherapy Over-35s Cup Champions The Quakers after being presented with the Trophy.
Runners-up Calthwaite Women have been together for less than three months and now enjoy a weekly Just Play Centre.
A special thank you to Penrith AFC for hosting the event – the hospitality received and facilities available was fantastic and supported the positive environment for the women to play.
DATES FOR THE DIARY
Sunday 17 November 2024: Festival sponsored by Nat Broad Physiotherapy [details to be confirmed shortly]
Sunday 16 March 2025: The Nat Broad Physiotherapy Over 35s Cup
Sunday 27 April 2025: Festival sponsored by Nat Broad Physiotherapy
ENTER
Enter as an individual and we will see if we can put some teams together
More about this age group...
‘Veterans’ age women can now access playing opportunities across the county!
Since March 2023 with more than 150 women have played in a ‘Just Play Centre’ delivered by Cumberland FA.
The Centre’s in Carlisle, Penrith, Workington and Whitehaven are now run by a selection of volunteers to make them sustainable! A centre in Brampton will also be running through the winter.
The sessions are a perfect way to get some exercise, have some laughs and meet new people. Women aged 35 and over are invited to come along and play – with any experience welcome.
The events are played in a friendly atmosphere as we aim to increase the number of playing opportunities for this age group.
The next Over 35 Women’s Turn up and Just Play session takes place at Harraby 3G (pens), Carlisle on Sunday 22 September from 3-4:30pm. Register for the FREE session here.
We were delighted to welcome MLP Photography to capture the event – check our their photos here.
If you have any queries regarding Women’s Football or would like to get involved, please contact Helen Aitchison on 01900 511800 or email Helen.Aitchison@CumberlandFA.com