FA Walking Football Cup

The FA Walking Football Cup is the official national cup competition for walking football teams in England, organised by The Football Association.

About the Competition

Launched in 2024, the competition brings together affiliated grassroots teams from across the country, offering a clear pathway from local fixtures through to a national final at St George's Park — the home of England Football.

Designed to reflect the prestige of the FA Cup, the competition gives walking football players the opportunity to represent their club, compete at a high level, and be part of a growing national game.

How the Competition Works

Teams enter through County FA–run local heats, competing against other sides in their area. Successful teams progress to regional finals, before the top-performing teams from across the country advance to the National Finals.

The competition is structured to balance accessibility with competitive progression, ensuring teams of all levels can take part while still rewarding performance.

Frequently asked questions

: A national FA competition for walking football teams across England, offering a pathway from local qualifiers to national finals at St George’s Park.
: Affiliated walking football teams in England, including grassroots clubs, community teams and organised squads.
: Mixed 50+, Mixed 60+, Women’s 40+ and Women’s 50+ competitions.
: Teams start in County FA qualifiers, progress to regional rounds, and successful teams reach the National Finals.
: Local heats are hosted by County FAs. Regional and national stages take place at larger venues, with finals at St George’s Park.
: Teams should register into local heats run by their County FA through this portal. Each team/category requires a separate entry.
: Fees vary by County FA but are typically low-cost to support grassroots participation.
: Yes. Teams must be affiliated to a County FA and players registered in line with FA grassroots requirements.
: The FA’s official Walking Football Laws of the Game apply. Full competition rules and regulations are available here.
: The tournament will be played 6-a-side. Squads can include up to 20 players and four coaches. A maximum of 11 players can be selected per round from the registered squad. Each separate team must be appropriately named to identify them with their affiliated club name, i.e. XX Reds and XX Blue.
: Yes. Each team must enter separately and meet eligibility criteria. One organiser can register multiple teams.
: All levels are welcome, from social teams to competitive squads. The competition is designed to be both accessible and competitive.
: Teams can win plaques, medals and trophies as they progress, with the ultimate prize being the FA Walking Football Cup National Champions title.
: Qualifiers begin in May 2026, with regional finals in September and the National Finals on 18 October 2026.
: The competition offers structured play, national exposure and the opportunity to compete at elite FA facilities while promoting fitness and team spirit.
: No. Players can only represent one team and compete in one age category throughout the tournament.
: The deadline for registering a team varies depending on the heat. Please contact your County FA heat organiser for further information on registration deadlines.

Competition Regulations 2026

Important dates

Local Heats:

Start: May 2026
Completion deadline: 18^th August 2026

Regional Finals:

South-West:
- Lockleaze Sports Centre, Sunday 20^th September
Midlands:
- Derby Racecourse, Saturday 12^th September
North-West:
- William Fosters, Wigan, Sunday 13^th September
North-East:
- Washington, Sunderland, Sunday 27^th September
South:
- Rectory Park, Middlesex, Saturday 5^th September
South-East:
- Parsloes Park, Dagenham, Sunday 6^th September

National Finals:

18^th October 2026 (St George’s Park)

Entry Categories

There are four competition categories:

Mixed 50+
Mixed 60+
Women 40+
Women 50+

Each category runs as a separate competition, with its own pathway to the National Finals.