Didim Walking Football Club (DWFC) enjoyed a great turnout from members when they experienced playing on a full size UEFA A grade 4G pitch on Thursday August 8.

The club, co-founded by James Ash, Mark Williams and John Croft, was given special permission to play a unique game on the pitch. Support for this initiative came from Hakan Gursoy, an ex-Didim Masters football club teammate of James and owner of Family Door Restaurant, as well as Didim District Sports Director Ufuk Hoca.

Gary Scoltock

James said: “The game saw a great turnout of 34 players. We started with our familiar walking football rules with 17 players a side to help cover the space and combat the 36+ degree heat.

“Saw lots of great play utilising the space and number of players. The game finished a close 5-4 with plenty of shots saved at both ends by our goalkeepers.

“Thanks to all players showing support early on a Thursday morning, likewise our awesome referee Gary Scoltock, spectators and members of the council who helped make this happen.” Team Member Of The Day was Referee Gary Scoltock

Today, the DWFC has more than 250 players who have joined since it was founded nearly three years ago and has become the biggest Walking Football in the country, reaching more than one million people around the world on social media!
The club’s Monday morning sessions, starting at 9 am, attracts 35 to 40 players weekly during the summer season, with a steady 20 to 25 players participating during the autumn, winter, and early spring months.

Despite the scorching heat, last Monday’s session saw five teams playing, including 42 players. Player Of The Week

was Maggie.Unlike 99% of the world’s walking football clubs, DWFC proudly allows people of all ages, abilities, and disabilities, with both male and female players enjoying the beautiful game together.

Player Of The Week was Maggie