Walking Football for 'Lionesses'

In the 1970s, Judy Collins, now a retired teacher and lollipop lady from Cullercoats, set up a girls' football side and managed to attract 15 other players, but unfortunately there were no other teams who would play against them. 

Back in her schooldays, girls were permitted to take part only in netball or hockey, so, as she had loved playing football with her brothers, she contacted the local press at the time, appealing for other girls to form a team with her.

Now in her golden years, and never one to admit defeat, Judy has found a new outlet for her footballing ambitions in the Age UK North Tyneside's Women's Walking Football Group. 

Judy is looking for other women, who want to stay active, to join her walking football group, playing a low impact version of the sport she has always loved.

Click this link for more details of times and locations Age UK North Tyneside's Women's Walking Football Group.

Judy says "For the first four weeks I was the only person there but now there are three of us. It would be great to get more women along so we can have a proper game. Even if you don't like football it's a good way to get some gentle exercise and make new friends."