The Barnet Walking Football Team, founded in October 2015 by Shaun Sherrick, 65, has been nominated for the Community Impact Award at this year’s London Sports Awards (LSAs)
A North London walking football group is celebrating regional recognition for its work supporting older adults and vulnerable residents.
The Barnet Walking Football Team, founded in October 2015 by Shaun Sherrick, 65, has been nominated for the Community Impact Award at this year’s London Sports Awards (LSAs).
What started out as a single team has now grown over the past decade to become a network of around 200 players, 150 active members and 12 teams that cater for players aged over 50 through to over 70s.
“It’s about giving the people involved the recognition they deserve,” Sherrick said.
“A lot of the people involved have never been to events like this before. It’s a chance to celebrate what they’ve achieved. Recognition for their efforts is fantastic.”
Sherrick, who is the director of Barnet FC Community Ltd, helped establish the club alongside two others after a surge in interest in walking football sparked by a national campaign.
That ethos has helped the club grow into more than just a football set-up. It operates as a wide-ranging community hub, with social activities, volunteering programmes and support networks running alongside twice-weekly football sessions on the astroturf pitches at The Hive.
“We didn’t set it up to be elite,” Sherrick continued. “Our approach was simple; if you can walk and you can breathe, you’re welcome. It’s about inclusion and enjoyment.”
Players regularly take part in group walks, cycling trips and social events, while also contributing to local causes. A recent Easter campaign saw members collect 850 Easter eggs for charities supporting children and people living with dementia.
The group has also pioneered specialist sessions, including dedicated walking football for people living with dementia – believed to be the first programme of its kind in Barnet. Now in its second year, the initiative is part of a wider effort to use sport to improve mental and physical wellbeing.
“It’s not just about playing football for an hour or two,” Sherrick said. “It’s about building a family. People support each other, stay connected, and look out for one another.”
The club’s impact has led to multiple accolades over the years, including local authority and FA awards. More recently, the group was invited to parliament to share its work with policymakers and community leaders.
Despite its growth and success, including international tournaments, the club remains focused on remaining as accessible as possible and for Sherrick, the most rewarding moments are often the simplest.
“We’ve got a member who is 90 years old,” he said. “When he scores a goal, the smile on his face, that’s what it’s all about.”
The London Sport Awards 2026 is taking place on Wednesday, 29 April, celebrating the incredible people and organisations making a difference through sport and physical activity.
Supported by the City of London Corporation, the ceremony will honour inspiring individuals, projects, and organisations across ten categories, from volunteers and community clubs to businesses and tech innovators, who are helping Londoners lead healthier, more active lives.
London Sport is a charity that helps all Londoners live longer, healthier and happier lives through being active. The London Sport Awards, supported by the City of London Corporation, shines a spotlight on the capital’s unsung heroes who are helping Londoners lead more physically active lives. Find out more at www.londonsport.org
