Santander International has agreed a three-year deal as headline sponsor of the Jersey Football Association’s new Men’s Walking Football League and Representative team.

The JFA, in conjunction with Jersey Sport, has run regular recreational walking football sessions at Springfield for the past two years, and is now launching the new league to offer an outlet to players wanting to play the game competitively.

The Santander International JFA Walking Football League will officially kick off on Sunday 2 February 2020 at Springfield (11.30am), with Rozel Rovers, St John, First Tower United and St Peter set to be the inaugural teams.

“We are delighted to be involved with the JFA’s new Walking Football League. Walking Football provides a fantastic opportunity to help people get fit or maintain an active lifestyle no matter what their age or fitness level.

“As well as health benefits, it offers social benefits too; meeting new people, avoid becoming isolated and interacting with others. We are looking forward to seeing how the teams progress in the new league,” said James Pountney, Managing Director of Santander International.

The four founding teams, who will proudly wear club colours in Santander International branded kits, have already begun playing friendly matches and tournaments in recent weeks ahead of the league kick off.

As the name would suggest, players must walk and they concede a free-kick if they are spotted running. There is no contact or tackling.

Jersey FA CEO Jean-Luc Desbois added: “We’re delighted to have such an established and well-known banking organisation such as Santander International put its name to this exciting new venture.

“Walking football is a great way to meet new friends and keep playing the beautiful game when the legs aren’t quite as strong as they might’ve once been. The hope is it’ll keep players involved at clubs once their first team days are over.

“Personally, having played most of my football at walking pace, I see huge potential for the game to grow and help all age groups to get into kicking a ball”.

Anyone over the age of 45 wanting to play in the league should contact one of the clubs directly or via the Jersey FA office.