Sunday 1st December 2024

Versus: Consett

Kick Off: 12.00 noon

Venue: Whitworth Academy.

It's was another disappointing game today for STWFC who played their last home game of this year. Playing against a Constt Blackfayne side, who like STWFC have struggled to put any points on the board so far this year, yet it was hoped that we would be able to gain our first win of the season and secure 3 points.

Unfortunately, things did not go to plan, especially as the first 10mins STWFC looked very nervous and were unable to string any meaningful passes together. As a result, it allowed Consett to get into the game resulting in them taking the lead with a well struck shot that ricocheted of both post before settling into the net. 

As STWFC finally got into their game plan, they were able to create a number of opportunities that kept the Consett keeper on his toes. Finally a good turn followed by a powerful shot from John F resulted in a well deserved goal. Half time 1-1. 

The second half continued much like the latter part of the first with STWFC playing good possession football which kept their keeper busy. Subsequently, in trying to contain STWFC, Consett conceded their fourth running offence, which resulted in a penalty, which Steve C dispatched. STWFC 2- Consett 1. Unfortunately, heading towards the last period of play, STWFC conceded a penalty, which Consett dispatched bringing the score to 2-2. 

Overall it was a well contested game, with both teams trying to secure their first win of the season but had to settle for a point each.

On a sunny, Sunday afternoon it saw STWFC compete in the inaugural County Cup at Washington Hub. For the first time STWFC were able to enter both an over 50s and an over 60s squad, which highlights the growth of walking football in Spennymoor.

Both teams were aware that they would face tough competition, especially the over 50s who had not played competitively prior to this tournament. Whilst the over 60s would face teams who all play in league 1.

Both age groups were run as a round robin format, with the top team going forward to the next round. Due to the numbers of teams entered the over 50 would play 4 games, facing 3 teams who all play in league 1 and Bishop Auckland who like STWFC over 50 are new to competitive WF.

After losing there first 3 games, the over 50s finally found there form, winning 2-1 against Bishop, which was encouraging for the forthcoming league, as both team will face each other again in league 2.

The over 60s was a smaller group with only 4 teams competing in a round robin format, so each team played each other twice, again with the top team going forward to the next round. The over 60s started well, continuing there unbeaten run against West Hartlepool, winning 2-1, whom they beat in the Benfield Cup a few weeks earlier. We then went on a 4 game run of draws against Consett (2), Benfield (1) and West Hartlepool (1) Going into the deciding game against Benfield it was P5 W1 D4 so we had to beat then to challenge for top spot. Unfortunately, we lost 1-0, as Benfield was able to take one of their few goal scoring opportunities, then managed the game by playing possession football forcing STWFC to shot at goal at every opportunity. Their goalkeeper was kept busy, blocking, saving lots of shots and with only a couple of seconds left on the clock the ball slide underneath his body and advanced towards the goal line, which he scrambled to retrieve. Whether it actually crossed the line or not, we will never know, if only we had goal line technology. 

Overall it was a great experience for both squads, for the over 50s despite playing teams who compete in a higher league they had valuable experience playing together whilst increasing their appetite ready for the league 2 games that begin in September.

For the over 60s, it helped to reinforce our ability and belief that we will be able to compete with all the teams when we move up into league 1 in September. We have firmly put STWFC on the WF map.

A big well done and thank you to everyone who is connected with STWFC it’s been a 3 year journey to get this far, and there's still more work to do. Enjoy the journey.

STWFC over 60s came away from The Benfield cup with their heads held high as they lost 2-1 to Carlisle in the final of the Sam Smith trophy. Eight teams were divided into 2 x4 playing a round robin format. The top two of each league playing for the Benfield Cup with the bottom 2 of each league playing for the Sam Smith Cup. During the games STWFC defeated West Hartlepool 3-1, who then went on to beat the home team Benfield in the Benfield Cup. It was a great opportunity for us to gauge were are in preparation to playing in league 1, as Benfield, West Hartlepool and Peterlee will be there to welcome us as the newly promoted club. Teams travelled from as far as Scarborough and Carlisle to compete, with most games played in the right spirit, a good example of Walking Football. Our next venture is on 11th August as both the over 50s and 60s compete in the Durham Cup @ Washington.

Spennymoor Leisure Centre

Tuesdays 10am to 11am

Thursdays 2pm to 3pm

Coxhoe Active Life 3G Pitch 1

Saturdays 10am to 11am

Each Session Costs £3 per person and are open to Men and Women aged 50 and Over

The objectives of our Club is to promote physical health and well- being through providing facilities, promoting the game of Walking Football. We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour within walking football therefore, this code of conduct has been developed with players and coaches. STWFC adopt these for all casual sessions and competitions. On and off the field I will:

Place the well-being, safety, and enjoyment of each player above everything, including winning.

Ensure that the session coach, team manager and/or referee is made aware of any medical condition, or on- going injury prior to play.

Adhere to the rules.

Display and promote high standards of behaviour.

Promote fair play and actively encourage others.

Make allowances for and encourage other players with different skill levels and physical abilities.

Do not seek to take advantage of other players with different skill levels and physical abilities.

Always respect the referee's decisions.

Never engage in or tolerate offensive, insulting, or abusive language and behaviour.

Remember we all make mistakes.

Win or lose with dignity.

Shake hands with teammates at the end of every game.

Be an ambassador for my club.

Never engage in bullying, intimidation, or harassment

Speak to other players with respect.