Two participants in the Hot Steppers team have been chosen to represent Wales for international matches for two consecutive years. One of them is nearly 70 years old.
Joanne Davies created the walking football team Hot Steppers in 2021.
It is based in Rhondda Cynon Taf and aimed at the over 40s. It offers the opportunity to maximise participation for all groups and to encourage sustained participation for players of all abilities.
It has 40 women members and has competed against England.
But, the team faces challenges. Many women who have families need to balance training and children, so it is hard for them to train in the evening.
Joanne says, “Many women have barriers that they have to take care children in the evening.”
Jane Waters represented Wales for two consecutive years. She is the oldest member and is the only one in the league to take part in the nation’s tournament.
She won the runner-up in the match. It makes her dream to represent her country come true.
Jane says, “When I was young, I used to dream of representing my country in football, but something stopped me.”
Joanne and Jane will continue to play walking football in the Hot Steppers and they also encourage more people to join.