By Simon Parkinson

GLOUCESTERSHIRE FA are making strides towards finalising the make-up of an exciting new GFA Walking Football League campaign.

The popular competition is back for the 2017/18 season with a new format to boot, and entries are now being accepted for people over the age of 50 who want to continue playing the ‘beautiful game’ at a more sedate pace.

This season the league will be fought on two fronts to cater for increased participation. An over-50s division will be accompanied by an over-60s section in a move which will allow the older players to compete in both categories if desired.

Kicking off on Wednesday, October 4, fixtures will take place every six weeks to be spread across the county to reduce travel distances for the teams involved.

Every matchday experience will offer teams three to four fully-scheduled six-a-side games, all managed and refereed by Gloucestershire FA officials.

Matches are to be played on indoor and outdoor 3G-and-equivalent surfaces and will see over-50s games, slightly faster-paced and a little more physical, played on evenings and weekends, and the over-60s encounters mainly performed during weekday daytimes.

Cost per team (subject to change) is £35 per fixture and includes facility hire, management, scheduling and referees. There is also a £10 entry fee required with applications.

Recommended squad sizes are between six and16 players while any players without a team wishing to get involved can be channelled into a ‘player pool’ with a view to helping them find an appropriate side.

People are urged to sign up to the league no later than September 8, 2017.

To do so, or for more information, call Jack Stanbury on 01454 615888 (option 3) or email http://jack.stanbury@gloucestershirefa.com